CBI Blogs

Shalom Chaverim,

Two years ago, in September of 2022, I became an American Citizen. The first thing I did with my new status, with the assistance of a wonderful volunteer, was get myself registered to vote. My registration card arrived in time for me to vote in my first US election cycle that same November. When the polling station workers learned it was my first time voting everyone cheered. Not to minimize mid-term elections, but let’s just say that felt like practice for the “real thing”.

I have now voted in my first Presidential Election. The community center in our neighborhood is a polling station and, after a workout in the gym, I proudly walked around the building to get in line during early voting. I chose to keep my status as a first-time presidential election voter to myself. When it was my turn to stand in front of the machine, I took a deep breath and savored the moment. I wouldn’t have this first time again. It was monumental for me in my new life as an American citizen and I couldn’t let it go unacknowledged.

So here I sit, writing this blog post-election, but this time I was not a bystander in the process. Of course, I have had feelings before, during and after the 5 other election cycles I have lived throughout my years here. This time, I get to experience all the emotions that come with the results as a participant in the process. My ballot was placed, and it was counted.

Our CBI family is diverse and so are the feelings in this moment. Some of us are really happy. This is exactly the outcome we hoped and voted for while at the same time some of us are very sad and deeply disappointed. Of course, this is the outcome of every election. A candidate wins another loses and we step forward into the brave space of wondering “what will come next?”

Because we are a family, I want you to know that we are stepping into this brave space together. Rabbi Young and I are here for our entire temple community. If you need a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on or a quiet space to sit with your thoughts, we got you. Simply email one of us or reach out to our assistant, Carrie Barrera (clergyoffice@bethisrael.org) to put time on one of our calendars.

With all that is on our minds and in our hearts, I invite you to join Rabbi Young and I for Erev Shabbat services this week at 6:30 p.m. either online or in person. If you are a veteran, we will be calling you onto the bimah for a special blessing as we honor those who have served their country – be it the United States or the IDF or that of another nation. We are here to support one another, and I look forward to greeting you.

B’shalom,

Sarah

P.S. The word cloud was created by YOU! I asked in my Facebook “In one word, where are you finding strength?” If you are feeling like your toolbox is empty, maybe you’ll find something here to be helpful.