By Laura E. Adkins, Contributing Network Editor, Jewish Daily Forward
I have nothing profound to say on this day after the 2016 General Election, but here are some things we can all do that will make a difference.
- Call your mother, tell her that you love her and that no, all her work was not in vain, even though yes, it’s still an old boy’s club and a white man’s world.
- Call your friends of color, your friends in the LGBTQIA+ community, your Muslim friends and Hispanic friends and Jewish friends and female friends and tell them that yes, it will be a helluva ride, but you’re riding with them and this country’s been through worse.
- Call your local progressive charities, houses of worship, low-income public schools and sign up for a volunteer shift and commit a little more money.
- Don’t call your stockbroker because no, he didn’t see this coming and no, there’s nothing he can do anyway.
- Close the Nefesh B’Nefesh and the ministry of Canadian tourism and the “13 islands that cost less than NYU” tabs on your browser because no, you’re not allowed to leave. Your country has never needed you more.
As Rabbi Nachman of Bratslov said, “The whole world is a very narrow bridge; the important thing is not to be afraid.” My heart is broken, but my resolve is steeled to do whatever I can to make the next four years less hellish for all of us.