I am so fearful that the arc of the universe here at home in America is about to curve in the direction of evil and death, of injustice and autocracy. I am fearful that it will arc in that direction until after I am gone and I will miss the time that it starts to bend back towards goodness and right. I pray that I am wrong and that I can find the strength to help bend the arc while I am still here.
Wonderful Shabbat reading for what we must learn from our many great leaders who have worked and struggled to teach us all about our own responsibilities to work together and towards a better world for all
We should keep in mind that the arc of the moral universe is curved, not a straight line, and that curve reflects the often lengthy path that progress takes.
It is also humbling to recall that Herschel ‘s sense of moral imperative was not widely shared at the time by many of his colleagues at JTS, who may have been influenced by a fear of political attacks from within and outside the Jewish community.
Rabbi, thank you for your words of wisdom and comfort. Humans are creatures of habit. We see the same decisions bring about the same outcomes. Frederick Douglass said, “If there is no struggle, there is no progress. Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and never will.”
History is proof prideful evil leaders reach a day of reckoning. We don't get advance notice. Assad is safe having left his co-conspirators to learn their fate at the hands of a bruised and battered people.
Church congregations follow their leader, who is more concerned about losing 501c3 status—the primary funding source supporting a lavish (in many cases, not all) lifestyle. Two groups that don't worry about it are the NBA and the NFL, both are non-profit.
A game day opportunity to reach the masses will never be taken advantage of. Church leaders and athletes serve as idols; i.e. today's golden calf. Money is more important than urging people to become more politically informed and active.
The day after Trump's second impeachment Lindsey Graham and Nikki Haley took a red eye to Florida to kiss his ring. Moscow Mitch faced the cameras after his "victory" and said, "We don't want to undermine President Trump." Morning Joe and Mika also "obeyed in advance" once the election was clinched. Your inspiring take on this horror gives us hope.
Rabbi, may the blessings of the Almighty be upon you.
Rabbi Hammerman, thank you for reminding us about the incredible lives and legacies of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rabbi Heschel—two towering giants of non-violent resistance. Your words beautifully highlighted how they used the Bible and the Prophets to remind us of our duty to resist tyranny and to 'not obey In advance'.
I couldn't agree more with what you have said. Many congregations have been afraid of offending their membership since there is a split with regard to politics. Many Jews have been horrified by the so-called progressive left (I call the far left) who have exposed antisemitic rhetoric and anti-Israel bias, starting before, but increasing dramatically after Oct. 7. This has unfortunately led some to move toward Trump, even with all the evil and danger to Jews he represents, because the Republicans are perceived to be more pro-Israel and less antisemitic.
I am so fearful that the arc of the universe here at home in America is about to curve in the direction of evil and death, of injustice and autocracy. I am fearful that it will arc in that direction until after I am gone and I will miss the time that it starts to bend back towards goodness and right. I pray that I am wrong and that I can find the strength to help bend the arc while I am still here.
Thank you
Rabbi
Wonderful Shabbat reading for what we must learn from our many great leaders who have worked and struggled to teach us all about our own responsibilities to work together and towards a better world for all
✋🏽💙
We should keep in mind that the arc of the moral universe is curved, not a straight line, and that curve reflects the often lengthy path that progress takes.
It is also humbling to recall that Herschel ‘s sense of moral imperative was not widely shared at the time by many of his colleagues at JTS, who may have been influenced by a fear of political attacks from within and outside the Jewish community.
Rabbi, thank you for your words of wisdom and comfort. Humans are creatures of habit. We see the same decisions bring about the same outcomes. Frederick Douglass said, “If there is no struggle, there is no progress. Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and never will.”
History is proof prideful evil leaders reach a day of reckoning. We don't get advance notice. Assad is safe having left his co-conspirators to learn their fate at the hands of a bruised and battered people.
Church congregations follow their leader, who is more concerned about losing 501c3 status—the primary funding source supporting a lavish (in many cases, not all) lifestyle. Two groups that don't worry about it are the NBA and the NFL, both are non-profit.
A game day opportunity to reach the masses will never be taken advantage of. Church leaders and athletes serve as idols; i.e. today's golden calf. Money is more important than urging people to become more politically informed and active.
The day after Trump's second impeachment Lindsey Graham and Nikki Haley took a red eye to Florida to kiss his ring. Moscow Mitch faced the cameras after his "victory" and said, "We don't want to undermine President Trump." Morning Joe and Mika also "obeyed in advance" once the election was clinched. Your inspiring take on this horror gives us hope.
Rabbi, may the blessings of the Almighty be upon you.
Rabbi Hammerman, thank you for reminding us about the incredible lives and legacies of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rabbi Heschel—two towering giants of non-violent resistance. Your words beautifully highlighted how they used the Bible and the Prophets to remind us of our duty to resist tyranny and to 'not obey In advance'.
I couldn't agree more with what you have said. Many congregations have been afraid of offending their membership since there is a split with regard to politics. Many Jews have been horrified by the so-called progressive left (I call the far left) who have exposed antisemitic rhetoric and anti-Israel bias, starting before, but increasing dramatically after Oct. 7. This has unfortunately led some to move toward Trump, even with all the evil and danger to Jews he represents, because the Republicans are perceived to be more pro-Israel and less antisemitic.
thank you - recently ordered On Tyranny and was lovely to listen to the recorded talk