January 07, 2021

The breach of the Capitol building in Washington, DC on Wednesday, January 6, together with the unlawful trespass, violence and intimidation by some supporters of President Trump are cause for alarm for us all and threaten the very concept of a peaceful transfer of power which is at the heart of our American democracy.

Those who broke the law should be prosecuted and held accountable.

While we understand concerns about politicizing moral issues, it is important to be forthright in condemning action that has contributed to these acts of violence coming to pass. As our tradition teaches, words have consequences for good and evil. Since the conclusion of the election in November too many politicians led and encouraged by President Trump himself, radio hosts and social media influencers have trafficked in unsubstantiated falsehoods about mass fraud and the election results being illegitimate. This has undermined our democracy and rule of law.This reached a crescendo in the outbreak of lawlessness on the Capitol grounds. Those who engaged in - and who continue to engage in - such rhetoric share responsibility for the terrible scenes we witnessed in Washington, DC. Regardless of who one voted for, we must as a community and as individuals be willing to condemn this kind of incitement no matter who disseminates it.

At this moment, let us pray for healing, unity and wisdom. And let us also help to bring some of that healing through our own behavior by recognizing the crucial role of democracy and working to preserve it.

גדול שלום, שהוא שקול כנגד הכל, אנו אומרים: עושה שלום ובורא את הכל.

Great is peace, for it is worth everything, as we recite "Who makes peace and creates all." (Bamidbar Rabbah 11:6, Parashat Naso)

God bless America.