We're the agents of change

I previously shared these words of Jack Riemer as part of an invocation for a university commencement I was privileged to join. My hope that day was that they might encourage those in attendance to be agents of positive change. For the religious-minded among us, this poem represents an attitude about the efficacy of prayer, that prayer is only actualized by what we do. For the atheist, this offering reminds us of the power of human artistic expression, no matter the inspiration.

We cannot merely pray to God to end war;
For the world was made in such a way
That we must find our own path of peace
Within ourselves and with our neighbor.
 
We cannot merely pray to God to root out prejudice;

For we already have eyes

With which to see the good in all people
If we would only use them rightly.

We cannot merely pray to God to end starvation;

 For we already have the resources 
With which to feed the entire world
If we would only use them wisely.

We cannot merely pray to God to end despair;
For we already have the power
To clear away slums and to give hope
If we would only use our power justly.

We cannot merely pray to God to end disease:
For we already have great minds
With which to search out cures and healings
If we would only use them constructively.

Therefore we pray instead
For strength, determination, and will power,
To do instead of merely to pray
To become instead of merely to wish;
That our world may be safe,

And that our lives may be blessed.

As we look at the world around us – we are charged to be champions of goodness and compassion, justice and right.  May your words and deeds be so dedicated– so our world might yet be made better because of you.  And may we all forge this blessing together.

United We Stand

Infighting is just part of party politics, right? And disparaging antipathy defines the two-party system – hasn’t this always been the case? Well, to a degree yes, this goes back to the original presidential succession following Washington. In his monumentally important book on the real George W., His Excellency, Joseph Ellis teaches us regarding the last stage of his relationship with Thomas Jefferson:

The two men exchanged a few more letters the following year, all safely focused on agrarian topics like their respective vetch crops. Then, when on of Jefferson’s more offensive private letters condemning Washington’s leadership was reprinted in the newspapers – Jefferson claimed it was not quite what he had said – all correspondence between Monticello and Mount Vernon ceased. Historians have always had a difficult time trying to pinpoint the moment when the party system displaced a government founded on trust and bipartisan assumptions. For Washington, this was it (p. 232).

And so, over our history – whether Federalist or Whig, Republican or Democrat (or any of their various morphed iterations), party politics have often gotten in the way of national interests. This has merely been accentuated in our time – due in part to the oversaturation of news info provided to us via modern technology (24-hr. cable news, the internet, social media and so on) AND by the precipitous decline in journalistic responsibility, described by some as the fall of the noble *press* into today’s ratings- (and sadly, advertising revenue-) driven *media.*

Especially following the tragic mass hate crime in Orlando this past weekend – it is time for ALL of us to break down walls of division, within our parties, and across the aisle. So-called “Bernie-or-bust” supporters of Senator Sanders only do disservice to our American system if they continue to threaten to “take my marbles and go home;” i.e. plan not to be involved and vote in the general election as their candidate didn’t prevail in the primary. Yes folks, grow up, we’ve all been there, passionately promoting a beloved contender who simply went so far, no further. And as for Republicans, if you truly believe in classic ideals as the American dream, the melting pot, the significance of our society as a beacon of hope for the rest of the world – NOW is the time to evaluate your allegiance to the presumptive nominee of your party. Open your eyes – Donald Trump is an ill-prepared charlatan. He is ignorant of national and world affairs (and the basics of history and politics), flouts “leaders” of the GOP by disparaging anyone who remotely disagrees with him, and openly professes deep bigotry toward anyone who is not like himself. Or rather, toward anyone who is NOT himself.

There is still great opportunity for we the people to come together to address the significant and varied issues that we face. The first step is just that – a willingness to come together. And together we CAN tackle our economic concerns; we CAN root out the baseless hatred that is hurled toward so many; we CAN stop the spate of senseless violence that threatens our children, our friends, our neighbors; and we CAN foster an environment in which all people – regardless of color, religion, gender and sexual identity – have the opportunity to find their inner gifts and let them successfully shine.  

Insightfully referring to Washington’s famous “Farewell Adress,” Ellis further states that it was “primarily a great prophecy that the first word in the term “United States” was destined to trump the second” (p. 236). Let us be ever vigilant to fulfill this dream, for we are better together than apart. 

Secretary Clinton Clinches Pennant

Last night, decisively, Secretary Clinton achieved what *no other woman in American history* has done - in capturing the Democratic Party's nomination for President. Sure, this is apparently difficult to accept for Senator Sanders and his supporters; though my complete allegiance has been with Hillary from the outset of this election cycle, Bernie's campaign HAS been vital in motivating additional involvement and bringing light to key issue we face. There will be time to evaluate that, and to consider what of the Sanders perspective needs to be retained as the Democratic Party, and the country, move forward.

YET FOR NOW, let's all put aside our partisan politics for a moment or two. Let's marvel in this historic moment for all Americans.

The tragic 9/11 attack was just a month after our daughter Vered was born. The events of that day sparked fifteen years of subsequent challenge to our politics and world view, ups and downs with the economy, and questioning our very national identity. Watching the news unfurl that day, we asked "what kind of world have we brought her into?"

And as of today, she will never know a world in which a woman or man can't be considered to serve our nation in any capacity. That all American girls and boys, women and men, can truly aspire toward filling *any* role in our society - though seemingly a pedestrian idea - is nothing short of revolutionary.

I have had the privilege to advocate for equality issues of all sorts for some 30+ years. And I am grateful for the efforts of those who showed this generation, by example, how to finally make this happen. There is, as always, much for us to do, together, to strengthen and improve our country and world. For now, this moment, let us join together to celebrate this initial milestone...

Try this pho starters

Here in the Pacific Northwest, the variety and quantity of available Asian food is remarkable. Of course, as a friend instructed me as we moved here, Seattle is a major city and also part of the Pacific rim. Very cool. For most of the time we lived in Indiana (shocker) the selection was much more curtailed. And nothing approaching Vietnamese cuisine was around until about a year prior to leaving. So, in good fashion, I learned to make Pho (one of my son's faves), which has become somewhat of a staple in our house. Asian soups have depth of flavors, and vary widely from culture to culture and within ethnic traditions. What's your favorite? Here's ours:

Chef Eric's Pho recipe – it’s wicked simple

Soften 1 container Thai or Japanese rice noodles, set aside…

Cut up a few good size leafy sprigs of fresh basil, along with @ ½ bunch fresh cilantro. Throw into a good pot along with @ 32 oz. soup stock (I like to use organic chicken stock, clear-ish, though upon arriving here, learned that there ARE ready-to-use Pho starters. I still prefer my own)…begin to heat on low…chop up two bunches baby bok choy, throw into pot along with healthy dose (the more the better ) of crushed red pepper.

As it heats, add one stick cinnamon, and healthy dose ground ginger, along with 2-3 teaspoons Thai fish sauce. Add cubed firm tofu (½ to ¾ container of organic), and halved small meatballs (homemade better, in a pinch, out of a package)…add another 32 oz. soup stock (i.e. container) and raise heat slightly…add more crushed red pepper (c’mon, why not?)…

Watch stock so it *doesn’t* boil….turn down a bit, add ½ lb. sliced skirt steak (cut in thin strips, across the grain)…and a sprinkle or two of sea salt…let cook down just a bit…

TO SERVE: place modest but healthy scoop of rice noodles in bottom of large bowl. Ladle generous portion of soup with all the good stuff over the noodles. For garnish – at table, add sliced fresh jalapeno, fresh bean sprouts, and fresh basil leaves (the additional flavors will make the whole dish POP!). Add a squirt or two of Sriracha if you like

Squeeze a slice of lime into your bowl just before eating…

Use large spoon, be prepared to sweat, and ENJOY!!!

Smart gun laws, or, orange IS the new black

COLUMBINE…VIRGINIA TECH…SANDY HOOK…UCLA…AND TOO MANY MORE

Off the top of our heads, unfortunately, I’m sure we can add other now-familiar names to this list.

What seems like a lifetime ago, in a place in my life very far away, I was quoted in a community profile upon taking a new job: “It scares me to death that more and more victims of violent crime seem to be children who are targets of gunfire. It’s our obligation to fight against violence in our society and do what we can to remove weapons from the hands of those who shouldn’t have them!”

I said these words well more than fifteen years ago, not long after the Columbine shooting brought the epidemic of gun violence in our society into clear (and all-too-common) focus. The years since have been riddled with episode after episode of campus calamities, street crime, and yes, violent abuses by law enforcement. There is no question in my mind that smarter gun laws, enacted and enforced by responsible leadership, is paramount to the continued (or renewed) health of our community.

Tomorrow, June 2, is National Gun Violence Awareness Day. People are encouraged to wear orange in demonstration of their support of sensible gun laws, and the effort to reduce the impact of gun-related mortality. And, we can certainly do more than wearing orange (and important gesture, yet symbolic at best). We – all people of good will – must speak out, advocate, and lobby for sensible gun laws, AND for support for the surrounding issues that fuel this issue. And it doesn’t matter where you fall on the political spectrum; from the most progressive wing of those who would outlaw gun ownership to those who vehemently believe that the Second Amendment allow you to own *any* firearm you desire without limitation, ALL of us need to agree that we can only continue with intelligent regulations. Yet, we cannot intelligently address the problem of gun violence if we ignore mental health, education, incarceration, and economic disadvantage as the serious matters they are. So too, racial disparity and gender inequality must be in the mix of our dialogue to navigate the quagmire of America’s ills (for more on my opinion regarding specifics of gun regulation, and the 2^nd Amendment, please see http://guitarandpen.blogspot.com/2015/10/its-time-to-get-guns.html).

So yes, tomorrow, wear orange to show your support. More importantly, make your voice heard – contact your local, state and national representatives, push them to support smart gun laws, and put greater control on *who* can obtain a gun, and more importantly, how/how quickly. We owe this to our children’s well-being, our American future, our lasting posterity. 

Honor those who paid the price

This weekend we have observed Memorial Day, now dedicated to recall the sacrifices made by others to protect the liberty and values we cherish so dearly.  It is our custom to relax and enjoy all that we have - not just those material things we gather, but more importantly the ideas and ideals that will remain long after our time:

Freedom...equality...hope...opportunity... and tzedek (Hebrew for “justice”) - the moral imperative found in Jewish tradition to do what is right.  This holiday gives us precious occasion to reflect on the goodness of the world around us and our potential to make it even better.  This is the most noble purpose of liberty.  So might we heed the words of Leviticus, emblazoned on the Liberty Bell:  u’k’ratem d’ror ba-aretz - proclaim liberty throughout the land, so that every one of us might yet attain our greatest promise.

Yet, do we really understand the meaning of Memorial Day? Most of us, casually, believe it to be a day to honor those veterans who have served our nation’s military. This is only partly true. In fact, Memorial Day is *specifically* dedicated to those who died during their service. Initially, it emerged in part to heal the rift between North and South following the Civil War.

The first American Memorial Day was in Charleston, SC, on May 1, 1865, shortly after the end of hostilities. During the war, at least 257 Union soldiers who were former slaves died while being held as prisoners of war at the Hampton Park Race Course in Charleston, and were buried in unmarked graves. Black residents of Charleston cleaned up and landscaped the burial ground, building an enclosure and an arch labeled "Martyrs of the Race Course". They then organized a May Day ceremony, which was covered by the New York Tribune and other national papers. Nearly 10,000 people, led by nearly 3,000 children, marched in a parade to commemorate the dead. The event was mostly attended by former slaves, but also included mutual aid societies, Union troops, black ministers and white northern missionaries. Nearly ironically, this national holiday was founded by those who suffered (and still do, to a degree) the worst inequities in American history.

We are still subject to the historic dynamics that have divided us – race, gender, socio-economic advantage. The battles of the Civil War, and all the wars that have plagued our history, have resurfaced in our current political campaign season. We can still rise above, and fulfill our hoped-for destiny to become, as John Winthrop asserted on the ship Arbella just prior to setting foot in the New World – to become a “city on the hill” – a beacon of promise, a light unto the nations, guiding the world toward a better future.

And so today, for at least a moment, forget your own nonsense; honor those who paid the price for the liberty we cherish, and work toward their vision of a world redeemed. 

Miles Davis and our shared humanity

(Please note - I originally wrote this piece ten years ago, in celebration of Miles' 80th birthday. I post it here in honor of his ongoing legacy. Miles was a genius. And yes, he was often vulgar, crude and base with his words. Yet his raw, honest emotional expression remains a powerful influence upon so many. With today’s political environment, with those like Trump and Sanders and their followers doing everything they can to objectify, vilify and alienate the “other,” I believe it’s vital to share and celebrate stories of connection such as this. Enjoy.)

Today marks the 90th anniversary of the birth of Miles Davis - one of the most important figures in modern music and culture. Along the path of life, we find many different influences, and Miles ranks as one of my favorite artists, and a source of great interest and inspiration.

I recall fondly my time as the rabbinic intern at the Hillel Jewish Student Center at the University of Cincinnati, during my studies at HUC-JIR. We had the great fortune to engage in leadership development along with the staff of the African-American Cultural Center on campus. One exercise we conducted was called "cultural sharing" - for which each participant had been asked to bring an item of significant personal or family identity from home, and be willing to explain why the object was meaningful. Someone had a piece of art...someone had a special book....another a family photo...with me, I brought the mezuzah given to us by Debra's congregation in honor of our wedding.

One colleague from the African-American center showed up with Miles' album Kind of Blue (a classic, groundbreaking work that still enriches the musical imagination and is the best-selling jazz album of all time). With a slight grin, I quietly asked if he'd borrowed it from my collection. My quip immediately fostered a genuine bond between us, where none had been before. This experience culminated in our agencies co-sponsoring an art exhibit showing the great migration of Jews from Ethiopia to Israel during the 80's and 90's. Staring at one of the magnificent oversized photographs of a wise looking older tribesman, the same colleague said to me "you know what's great about this picture? I can't tell if it's your cousin or mine." We then realized how interconnected we were as human beings, marveling that he was both.

To me, this remains the message of art, and especially music – that the richness of life unites us as a human family, even while offering us the sacred, dignified opportunity to embrace what makes us unique, and even different. Perhaps this is what Jewish tradition teaches us with the term b'tzelem elohim - that each of us is created, modeled after the Divine.

And so, as I choose to celebrate this Miles Davis anniversary - I hope we will all continue to find enrichment, encouragement and blessing in the many various pieces of life that we enjoy - from music and art to food and fine wine, and especially in the loving embrace of family and friends who share with us along life's path.

Happy birthday Miles...