Emily: A Glint of Light

"Don't tell me the moon is shining,

Show me the glint of light on Broken Glass."

Anton Chekov

Emily you were light and remain a light for  our Jewish and Interfaith Community. You called us each April to read the names of our perished people on Yom HaShoa, the Day of Rembrance. We lost you on the International Day of Rembrance, The Shoa began on Kristallnactht, the Night of Broken Glass.  The shards of memories shine within us,  and their numbers give us more light, like the sparks of Adonai in all of us. Your memory evokes scattered glints throwing the beams of your voice in prayer, your leadership in human rights, your work addressing hunger, your dedication to home, family, community. These beams shine  towards each of us, inspiring us to follow your example: Do the work of Tikkun Olam. You were a blessing in all of our lives, and your memory will remain one.

Is There Separation of Church and State?

On this day honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. and celebrating our President's inauguration, I am still an unashamedly proud citizen of the U.S., although I often disagree with some policies. That's why I am so proud to be a citizen here; it's ok to disagree, it's ok to vote for change, and it's all right to be free to express my views. I also love that we have (or should I say, try to have) separation of church and State. I have nothing against worship, religion, or praying. I do lots of that. I worship as an involved person who is Jewish, and I believe it's ok to worship as one chooses, or to not worship at all. I have friends of all faiths, and love quite a few people who are atheists or agnostics. 

All of this freedom to worship is another reason I love the U.S.A. Now that I have hopefully established that I am a true patriot, I need to express disappointment that our Invocation at the Presidential Inauguration included a reference by Myrlie Evers asking for blessings for our country and it's people by Jesus. I respect that this is how Myrlie prays, but I am not Christian, my friends who are Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, and Jews are not Christian. Most of us are Americans though. Christian and American are not equivalent. Many Christians are citizens of other countries. But due to some vile attacks from people on the far right,  President Obama has had to prove he is not only born in America, but a Christian. So were the Invocation and Inaugural Luncheon Prayers meant to affirm to the American Public that the majority religion isn't threatened?

How is that what determines being an American? I truly wish all of us were included in a generic faith based prayer. 

At the luncheon comprised of our President, Vice-President, former presidents, First Ladies, and other people in government the Archbishop of the Greek Orthodox Church invoked the Trinity in asking for blessings. So there were some Jewish goverment officials there. Were they to decide, "Well after all we are Americans; this prayer includes our belief system?" Just pondering: Do we still have separation of Church and State?

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