July Fourth

As we mark 250 years of the United States, T'ruah offers these Jewish resources on democracy to inspire, challenge, and expand your thinking.

Clearly, if the laws which govern our lives are promulgated by and in the interests of the privileged in the majority, then those who are insufficiently represented will be harmed.

Recognizing who we truly are is our best resistance against tyranny. Knowing what lies in front of us, cognitive dissonance-and-all, we proudly wave the flag of Israel in May, the rainbow flag in June, the Stars and Stripes in July, because we recognize the promise of the miraculous ideas these banners represent.

A truly free people accepts its covenants without coercion. As we work for a better world, one of true dignity and equality for all, it’s important to remember that.

We find in our tradition that God dwells not in the destruction, but in the moment right before rebuilding.