We all know that it was almost impossible to listen to the radio during the primaries. One candidate was constantly bashing another until finally the nominees were chosen by each party. Certainly it did not become any easier at that point to turn the knob, push the button or do whatever was necessary to hear the news. Sadly, it became even more repulsive as listening to the rhetoric was hurtful to the human psyche. We were enthusiastically looking forward to an end to all of this once the election had taken place. How much worse could it get?
The result of the election caused chaos amongst the people of the United States. Instead of giving the candidate who is now the President, the Commander in Chief, a chance to go ahead with his promise to make changes that could have the potential to make lives better for many, the country has gone berserk. Women’s rights are on the line? How many of us really believe that? It is shameful to watch what is going on in the streets across the United States and the world.
Where have all of these women been to protest the atrocities that women in the Middle Eastern countries have been dealt? Where were the women protesting when a young Pakistani girl, who was recognized by the Nobel Prize organization, was attacked, and both mentally and physically scarred by the hoodlums that run her country?
What about each day when women are being abused and have to run to shelters? Jewish women in our own fine communities are sometimes not able to live at home due to the violent behavior that is bestowed upon them. Some actually ask: “Really, in our communities, amongst our frum women there are safe havens for women?” Where are the marches in the community when a man refuses to give his wife a get?
Many Jewish women participated in the “Women’s March” on Washington. The National Council of Jewish Women announced that “despite” the fact that it was Shabbat, this was above and beyond a time when necessity called. The Reform temple in Washington had so many attendees on Shabbat morning prior to the march that they needed to close its doors and turn people away.
Where are we going from here? Is this a reaction to the loss of the first female candidate for president? There is nothing normal about this protest.
When a child of ours runs for student council president and loses the election, do we encourage him or her to sulk and be belligerent for several months after the election or do we comfort them with the fact that they will still be able to work together with a new council? Is this an example that we are teaching our children? “Children, you should know that when there is an election and the candidate that you wanted to win loses, you should refuse and protest. Absolutely, child, do not give the elected choice of the people a chance.”
We always speak of the beauty of living in a free country. The United States, as we crossed the border from Canada, always gave us a feeling of being proud to be home. Yet at this point, although people have the right to march peacefully, they are making a mockery of the election process, and the ability of a new president who was chosen by the people to lead us.
We believe that we have an obligation to speak up and voice our concern about the damage that this is doing to our image worldwide. We have received two emails from women who are distant relatives proudly showing their picture as they marched in Washington. We plan to respond by telling them our real reaction. It would be beneficial for all of us who disagree with the recent marches to speak up and let the world know that there are many of us who are willing to give the new President a chance to govern our country. It is really time for the voices of protest to be drowned out by the voices of sanity. Join us in speaking up if the opportunity arises.
By Rabbi Mordechai and Nina Glick
Rabbi Mordechai and Nina Glick are living in Bergenfield after many years of service to the Montreal Jewish community. Rabbi Glick was the Rav of Congregation Ahavat Yisroel as well as a practicing clinical psychologist in private practice. He also taught at Champlain Regional College. The Glicks were frequent speakers at the OU Marriage Retreats. Nina coordinated all Yachad activities in Montreal and was a co/founder of Maison Shalom, a group home for special needs young adults. They can be reached at [email protected].
