It’s so achingly beautiful to me. A circle of unity. No one in front and no one behind.

It’s not too late, however, to return.

I am grateful that our tradition acknowledges the reality of our pain and trauma and encourages us to be thoughtful about ways in which we can avoid such discomfort in the future.

When we see injustice, when we witness oppression, we are called to be menschen—women and men of integrity, compassion and goodness.

Whether pleased or distressed by the outcomes, we should celebrate the incredible privilege we enjoy of being able to participate fully in our democracy. We know as Jews that this has generally not been the case throughout our history.

Being a part of a loving, egalitarian community built on empathy and mutual respect leads one to behave in more compassionate ways with others whom one encounters in the broader world.