Articles

Managing a Broken Society: As we experience this Thanksgiving moment, we realize the health challenges and economic struggles of so many in our country, even within our own community. Just as individuals and families face hardships, so do many of our most valued institutions. Our government, in consort with the nonprofit and business sectors, must develop a joint commitment to healing our nation.

As we experience an unprecedented global pandemic, more Jews than at any other time in history are being exposed to Jewish platforms of culture, religious practice and education. According to several reports, COVID-19’s forced digital emphasis has generated a rebirth in Jewish spirituality, learning and religious engagement.

In a joint statement issued on November 6, the leadership of Wilshire Boulevard Temple (WBT) and University Synagogue announced the latest merger within the American Jewish communal world.
Rabbi Joseph Newmark founded Congregation B’nai B’rith (WBT) in 1862. As Los Angeles’ first synagogue, WBT would emerge under the leadership of Rabbi Edgar Magnin (1915-1984) as one of the city’s most influential Jewish institutions. Over WBT’s 158 year history, its transformative clergy and high profile lay leadership have positioned the synagogue to be a pioneering engine of change.

What does a Joe Biden victory mean for Jewish America? This past Shabbat brought with it the news that the major media outlets had confirmed the election of Joseph R. Biden Jr. as this nation’s 46th President.

As we await the complete results of the 2020 election, Americans of all stripes have just participated in one of the most challenging, contentious and divisive political moments that this republic has experienced. 83% of us believed this to be the most defining election in our lifetime and that this outcome “matters”!

This every four year ritual is again upon us! In some measure, for American Jews these election cycles have emerged as a centerpiece of their American and Jewish identities. The rawness of American politics, especially in connection with this particular campaign, has only added to the intensity of this election season. With less than four weeks to go, this contest is consuming the attention of Jews across this nation!

During these closing days prior to America’s presidential election, we continue to see the further unwinding of this nation’s electorate. What we have known for some time is the deep cultural divisions that define the voting base within this country.

As I watched the disturbing Trump-Biden debate on Sept. 29, I couldn’t help but think about the ways that Jewish voters would react and what that will mean for the election. Here are five key factors to watch:

Are we seeing Americans give up on America? For the first time in my lifetime, I am hearing from some fellow citizens about leaving this country, as they fear that the democratic dream that has been America is beginning to come undone and their sense of personal security is unraveling.

With all of its physical limitations, the Jewish New Year of 5781 will represent the single most significant religious gathering of Jews. As a result of our virtual connections, it is likely that more Jews will experience some form of the High Holy Day ritual experience than at any time in history.
This moment may be as well the most challenging experience of our lifetime. How do we understand the idea of “future,” even the meaning of a “New Year” amidst this pandemic and the backlash of social unrest and economic chaos?