What is happening...?

I really don’t like dystopian movies, but it feels like I have awakened in one. It started in slow motion about a year and a half ago. The outrage I once felt has degraded to the wear and tear of having the truth so often abused and the abuse and venom so often prevail that I wake up in a fog, so often, that feels like a dystopian movie. The latest scene finds me aghast at what to say in a world in which the US president sends his family to Jerusalem to celebrate, dressed up, proclaiming Jerusalem the capitol, as if Israel NEEDED the proclamation, as if it needed to know, while Israeli soldiers confront protesters at the fence surrounding Gaza. The Trumps are dressed to the nines, while the protesters are bloodied. The contrast cries out within: “What is happening!?!” And like in a dystopian movie, it just doesn’t make any sense. And so, I must convey what I don’t feel in dystopian movies: I still share despair in order to continue caring. The politics are ruinous. On all sides. Jerusalem has always been the capitol of Israel. It should be a shared holy city, with East and West symbols of hope for the future, but alas, all we can do now is share despair. The bully in the White House who disparages Senator John McCain, as he dies, is a reminder that his boss is also a bully. The lack of censure is emblematic of the “never apologize“ wing of thought. It’s what’s created this mess. Share despair in order to keep caring. It’s all that I can do today. - Rabbi Gary S.