Samain Thanksgiving Moon
Here’s an odd outcome of the election. I’m planning on joining Congregation Beth Evergreen. Strange, huh? Turns out you don’t have to be Jewish. Weird, to me, but true.
Why join? Well, there’s the mussar group. It’s a disciplined approach to character and spiritual development. I’ve always gravitated toward groups that encourage introspection and using that introspection to grow as a person. Mussar is intellectually satisfying, but even more emotionally so. It speaks to the everyday of lived ethics, how to be true to yourself and others. The group itself is supportive, non-judgemental, and full of bright, inquisitive folks. I’ve made the beginnings of friendships there.
Then, there’s Rabbi Jamie Arnold. He’s an unusual guy: an athlete, a good musician, a composer and arranger, too, an intellectual, and an embodiment of compassion leavened with toughness. This combination of skills and character make him a compelling leader.
Kate, too, of course. She’s on her spiritual path and reveling in it. It’s a place we can both go, a place that’s more than movies or jazz or theatre, a place we can both ease our way into.
But mostly there’s the potential for action against the impending Trump regime. Politics is not a solo sport; it requires allies. Congregation Beth Evergreen seems to have a core of folks who’ve done actual work in political situations. It clearly has a number of folks who want to do work on the Trump watch. That includes me. My politics and my spiritual journey have always been tightly wound together so working with folks at Congregation Beth Evergreen seems like a continuation.
Finally, there is, of course, Judaism. It’s so different up close. It’s long history of scholars, activists, philosophers and theologians is a rich resource as is the cultural achievement of having lasted this long as a people. I don’t feel drawn to becoming a Jew, but I can learn from the long history of Judaism, even participate in it.
And, I find I want to.
