“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.