“Build Back Better”

Chanukah.
Rededication.
“Build Back Better”
The parallels are clear.

I was in a workshop yesterday focused on Chanukah where we discussed the differences between dedication and rededication. In my breakout study group, I offered that with rededication you already know the realities of what you are about to say yes to again. I compared it to the saying “a second marriage is a triumph of optimism over reality”. After rejoining the full group and continuing to reflect and work, the thought of the incoming administration’s slogan of “Build Back Better” came to my mind.

Chanukah. The Jews fought hard, against terrible odds, and they triumphed. Then they looked around and saw all the devastation Antiochus had wrought during his reign. They cleared the Temple of the desecration and chose to rebuild; to rededicate.

As Chanukah ends and the secular year of 2021 approaches, let us rededicate ourselves to the greatest American ideals and values. Let us be clear eyed about the fact that even when we were at our most honorable as a nation, we were still failing in significant ways. Let us, as a country, strive not to be “the best”, but to be our best selves. Let us take inspiration from our founding documents. Let us heed the words of Dr. King and, as a nation, “…rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.’” Let us acknowledge the death, the devastation. Let us work to undo damage - of recent vintage and of long standing. Let us say yes and build back better, together.

In Karen's Honor

Today is my sister Karen’s yahrzeit - the anniversary of the day she died. Karen died in 2012, a week before her 65th birthday. In 2001 Karen spent a month in the Mayo Clinic fighting for her life. She survived ARDS (Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome). At the time we knew how high the mortality rate for ARDS was and how incredible her recovery was. But in 2012, the cumulative damage to her lungs, coupled with a new illness, brought about her death in a matter of days. Along with many family members, I was blessed to be with her as she died. I sat alone with her, my hand on her arm, until the funeral home came for her body.

COVID-19 has been compared to ARDS. Most comparisons explain all the ways COVID-19 is significantly more complex and dramatically worse than ARDS.

I’m not going to discuss all the challenges individuals, families, communities, schools, students, teachers and small businesses are facing. I’m not going to discuss the harrowing, exhausting, dangerous experiences of healthcare workers. I’m not going to discuss all the risks being faced by essential frontline workers - from police officers to letter carriers to grocery store staff.

I am going to say this: This is not forever. Be patient. Remember the common good. Wear your mask. Wash your hands. Make sure you and everyone you know is registered to vote. Take care of yourselves. Take care of each other. And stay the fuck home.

I love you Karen. I miss you.

Rail Trail Therapy

We took a walk on the Rail Trail this afternoon. We were not the only ones with that idea. It was crowded - well, for that particular section it felt crowded. Sometimes, when we’re walking and the only ones there, I ask Chuck if he phoned ahead to reserve it just for us. Today, not so much. As clouds moved in and out in front of the sun, we saw solo walkers, runners and bicyclists; couples, and young families with children and dogs, strollers and tricycles. We all exchanged greetings as we passed each other. A lot of “Beautiful day, isn’t it?” because it really was.

For that hour we all kept to our family groups. We all breathed deeply of the fresh late winter / nearly spring air. We let our legs carry us, almost on autopilot, as we tried to let the news headlines recede for a little while.

Respite is important. Moving, breathing, listening to our own breath, feeling the wind on our faces - all of it is restorative.

So is social connection. We currently have social isolation as the headline. But we can still connect. Phone calls, emails, texts, Facetime, Skype, letters, cards, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook… so many ways to reach out and stay in touch.

Rabbis and Cantors are streaming services in empty sanctuaries, but that livestream is illuminating a living room, a kitchen, a studio apartment, as well as the congregants there joining in prayers and singing the songs. We are finding new ways to connect.

Keep breathing. Keep focusing on the greater good. Pick up the book or the knitting or the model ship or the stack of crossword puzzles. Haul out the Scrabble and Monopoly boards. Be present. When the worry rises up, let it. Sit with it for a moment and then use a lifeline to phone a friend. In this challenging time, those calls are unlimited.