blogs/rabbi-huberman

Reflections on the Election 

Let's talk.

Since early Wednesday morning, after reality set in that Donald Trump will become the next president of the United States, I have been besieged by requests for prayers of comfort.

For many Americans, particularly Democrats, this outcome has been upsetting, perhaps something deeper than that.

It's not so much that the leader of an opposing party was successful in winning the election, but rather that the path to the White House was paved with rhetoric which assaulted what so many perceive to be America's central values.

We don't label, rate or objectify women.  We don't racially slur fellow citizens based on the country their parents are descended from. We don't surround ourselves with advisors who promote religious divisiveness.

Many people are afraid. For them, the concept of "taking America back" means a template of patriarch-led, white Christianity.  It feels to some that a dream has been shattered, or driven to its knees.

As many of you know, my background is in politics and journalism.  I served as top communications advisor to two Canadian cabinet ministers, and before that, I founded and published a newspaper.

I come to this country with a profound respect for the United States, as the world's most storied democracy. I grew up glued to the television as Kennedy debated Nixon. I feared what would happen to America when Goldwater challenged Johnson. And so on.

The great Mussar rabbi, Rabbi Israel Salanter, wrote one hundred and fifty years ago that a "rabbi whose community does not disagree with him is no rabbi."

I have been profoundly moved by the overwhelming sense of loss expressed to me by many.  I also respect that many in this country do not view things the same way. So, at the risk of offending many on all sides, I offer my observations - and ultimately some thoughts about where we go from here.

First of all, it must be acknowledged that the United States of America is not only the United States of those who agree with us. Forty-seven per cent of Americans voted for Donald Trump; a shade below Hillary Clinton.  

This is a democracy, driven by the electoral college, and the people, through the system that we have agreed upon, have spoken.

Many of those residing in the heartland of the nation or in rural areas feel they have been left behind, or have been termed "deplorable."

We are where we find ourselves now for a multitude of reasons. Americans are more deeply divided at this moment than at any juncture since the Civil War. 

Throughout this interminable campaign, our media has failed us, through reporting and speculation that worshiped rhetoric.

We were also introduced to the idea of surrogacy, which meant that no matter what the issue was or how outlandish the statement, there were two parties on each side debating with little or no attempt to ascertain truth.

And, of course, we obsessively watched.

I remember the days when Walter Cronkite delivered the nightly news and election results in a straight and factual manner.  Where was the media's discussion of policy, philosophy and common good?

Indeed, whether you are a Republican, Democrat or media watcher, there is much to consider and mourn only a few days after November 8.

Yet, once the shiva of national divisiveness is over, we as Jews and as citizens must rise.  We must go to work, hug those we love, embrace our country, respect those we disagree with, and navigate life's daily challenges.

Isn't what we have done as Jews for centuries?

This week's Parashah, Lech Lecha, describes a cornerstone encounter between God and Abraham. God tells Abraham to rise from his level of comfort and complacency, and venture out to a land which was new and unchartered.

We are entering that territory now.

As the Kabbalah teaches, there is no such thing as descent, because ultimately descent leads to ascent. It is now time to live our values, every day, within our own families and our own communities.

For those who are heartened by the result, let this be an opportunity to influence our new leaders with the best of Jewish values.

In our weekly Shabbat "prayer for our country," we ask God to help ensure that our nation be a force of good in the world. For all of our sakes, we must pray that Donald Trump will be blessed with success.  Agree or disagree, the office of the President must be respected.

Let us also remind the media that our daily lives, our values, or hopes and fears, are not part of a ratings grab. We possess the greatest tool of all: the ability to turn off the television.  I suggest we all commit to doing that a little more often.

In my sermon on the first day of Rosh Hashanah, I noted, "We cannot change the past, or the truth or another person: we can only change ourselves and our reaction."

Therefore, let us agree, within that context, to begin the healing process. Here are a few things to try.

• Avoid hostile political conversation.  Let us focus on our work, our friendships and our families. They are more precious than our political differences.
• Live your life. Take walks. Go to the gym. Turn off the television.
• Tone down your social media.  Too many families and friends have been torn apart.  It's time to stop posturing and begin sharing more positive and healing news. 
• Get involved in the community.  Volunteer or donate to causes which are important to you.  It's time we as Jews and as members of the larger community do what we do best: perform Tikun Olam, working with God and one another to heal a broken world.

Democracy is messy. Winston Churchill famously said, 'Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others.'

We as Jews believe that the world is on a positive trajectory. It may have just ascended or descended, depending on your viewpoint, but rest assured, that political destinies will continue to evolve.

We pray that Mr. Trump will surround himself with wise advisors.  We pray that he will become the uniting President he has pledged to be.  We pray he will respect this country's basic health and gender values. We pray he will support Israel.

As for us, as Jews, as we enter, like Abraham and Sarah, uncharted territory, we pray for courage, clear vision and strength. 

This is the United States of America, a profoundly great country. Whatever your politics, America is more than one man; it is more than Washington. Let us stop talking and return to doing, and recommit ourselves as agents of positivity.

As God says to Abraham this week, "Go to the land that I will show you...And you shall be a blessing."

I have every confidence, in spite of concerns and divisions, that this country will continue to be a blessing- and will in turn be blessed.

This is not about winners and losers. It is about reality and common destiny. Let us heal and work together, and, perhaps most of all, commit to the progress of our country. Let us stop arguing, and let's begin uniting. 

Shema Yisrael. Let us begin truly listening to each other.  This protracted national discussion is finally over.

However difficult, let us turn to each other in peace.

Indeed, there is more to life than this.

We will survive.

Shabbat shalom, v'kol tuv (with all goodness).

Rabbi Irwin Huberman