After learning about the death of Congressman John Lewis z'l, I revisited his 2013 JTS Commencement address. Along with the story of how he grew up preaching to chickens in rural Alabama (support for my early practice of offering divrei torah to stuffed animals in suburbia), I was moved by his call to be headlights rather than taillights. While taillights protect those who follow behind, shining light into darkness illuminates what might otherwise remain hidden and demonstrates commitment to seeing the way forward.
This call to step forward, light in hand resonates deeply as we prepare to commemorate Tisha B'Av, the time at which we recall the destruction of both Temples in Jerusalem along with other calamities that faced the Jewish people. One tradition teaches the Temple was destroyed because of baseless hatred. Another says it was because we did not criticize each other (i.e. we did not care enough to invest). Next Wednesday evening we'll gather together in our virtual sanctuary, find a place on the floor (or low chair) and chant the book of Lamentations by candlelight (or flashlight). Sitting in discomfort reading painful words of loss, we may struggle to see. Yet, we still bring the light to our story. We still commit to building and returning the holy to our midst. Even dim light has the potential to grow from memory into action when fueled by hope.
A more popular video of John Lewis z'l that emerged on the internet in the wake of his death is the clip of him crowd surfing on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. It is quite amazing to watch this man pass through the audience. His comments following demonstrate the stance that propelled him forward throughout his life. I just wanted people to hold me up, he said. Lewis demonstrated a sense of trust and hope that moved him to action over and over and over again, inviting others to turn on their lights and take part in creating a world at peace with itself. More than anything, he believed we had a mandate to stand up for what was fair and just and take responsibility for one another. None of us can opt out. We actually have to hold up our hands to the light and catch one another.
Hope on its own is not enough. Even light is not sufficient. We must work together, riding the waves of uncertainty and possibility, knowing when to mourn and when to rise up. May we all continue to build Gd's house, sharing our resources, caring enough to speak and holding each other up.
Shabbat Shalom rg
Congregation Habonim 103 West End Ave New York, NY 10023
