Shabbat Message: Take action, continue learning, stay connected, and vote : Coastside Jewish Community

There’s no CJC Shabbat service tonight, but if you’re doing something for Shabbat, let Reb Moshe know here. He will be delighted and will wish you a “Shabbat Shalom!”

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Dear CJC Members & Friends,

The word mitzvah is often understood in a general sense as a good deed, but in a broader sense, it can be understood as a moral or ethical action; an act of great importance and significance; a sacred obligation.

Although it may not count in a religious sense, I consider voting to be a mitzvah. Most of us don’t like being commanded to do anything, but many of us find deep meaning and satisfaction in doing what we can to make things better, and in taking our responsibilities seriously.

I just finished filling out my paper ballot. It was a task that felt, at moments, like doing my taxes or filling out a job or college application. There are quite a few candidates and propositions to decide on this time, but I felt good doing it, and it’s a civic duty that I would call a mitzvah.

There are not many things that allow us to have such a direct impact on the issues that affect us directly. To make voting easier, there are some excellent resources, such as a webpage offered by the San Mateo County Libraries here.

Sadly, many who choose not to vote have been influenced by election denialism and distrust that some anti-democratic groups are trying to spread. Because it is a choice, and an important one, I urge every CJC member and friend who can vote to have a plan and get it done, either before or on Election Day. And you can help and encourage others to do the same.

By the time we reach Election Day in about 3-1/2 weeks, I’ll be back from our trip to Israel. By chance, we will be there during Israel’s elections (October 27), so we’ll have lots to talk about when we return.

Those of us who are going will also want to tell you about the peace work we’ll be witnessing in Israel/Palestine, and the emerging peace movement that is gaining momentum and credibility. See below about our scheduled event on November 9.

In the meantime, enjoy the other items and announcements below. Let them inspire you to take action, to continue learning, to stay connected, and to vote!

Shabbat Shalom,

Reb Moshe

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