We Start Here, and We Start Now

November 5, 2024. It was a day many of us worked very hard to prepare for, both mentally and physically. Electing a president of the United States is a significant privilege. Many people were denied the right to vote for such a long time, and people lost their lives fighting for this right. I was taught the importance of voting in my early childhood. I remember accompanying my parents to the polls and pulling the levers on the voting machines. As I have grown further into adulthood, I have become more involved in politics. I’ve also gotten more involved in Judaism, social action, and advocacy. It’s fair to say that by the election of November 2024, I had invested significant time and effort to support the candidates and principles I believe in personally, as a Jewish woman, mother, and citizen.

I was proud to work with Pennsylvania Religious Action Center (RAC-PA) organizing postcard writing parties and Zoom calls. I worked with my local party as a committeeperson and supported our regional and national candidates. On Election Day, I stood outside the polls at my local elementary school handing out literature and engaging voters as they arrived to perform their civic duty. The conversations regarding this election were different from those in earlier years. The political climate was much more heated and divisive. And the turnout? It was exceptional.

There is a lot at stake for all of us in every election. It seemed the issues carried a lot more weight in this election. Why was it so different this time, and why were people so divisive? Let’s look at some of the significant issues we faced in the election:

• The Economy. There is no question that the cost of living has skyrocketed in the past few years. Assigning blame for the dramatic price increases contributes to the political divide. Beyond retail pricing, we look at taxation policies, Social Security, international trade policies, etc., both current and for the future.
• Reproductive Rights. Roe v. Wade was overturned. Laws were changed, and women's health care rights have become more restrictive.
• Israel Relations. October 7, 2023 changed us all. This horrific event and the days that follow forever impact our relationship with Israel. Has the United States done enough to support Israel and its people through all of this? What could/should they have done differently, and where do we go from here?
• Voting Rights and the Integrity of Elections. Are the elections fair and legal? Is every vote being counted? Is there outside election interference, and if so, by whom?
• LGBTQ+ Rights. Who gets to choose whom we can love and marry? Can people of any age affirm their gender? What rights do trans people have, both medically and legally?
• Immigration. How do we effectively control the borders? Who stays, and who goes? What rights do illegal immigrants have in the United States? How about their spouses and children?
• Climate Change. What’s real? How extensive are the dangers that exist? What can be done to mitigate it? What risks exist if we continue on the path we’re on?
• Separation of Church and State. Does prayer belong in public schools? Can the Bible be taught in public schools? Can secular laws control religious practices?

As Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ) members, we adhere to fundamental philosophies. We advocate for all the issues represented in the election. As Jewish women, we do not represent a specific political party. WRJ cannot endorse any specific candidates or parties. That said, we approached this election with great passion, as we related so directly to the issues at stake. We encouraged everybody to vote and to advocate for their beliefs. We will continue to advocate for what we believe in, both as individuals and as an organization.

Now that the election is over, how do we continue to advocate for our beliefs? We must use the power that we have, both as individuals and through our affiliations. We all have voices, and we have the numbers to come together. We have not only WRJ, but many other organizations that share our common core values. Now more than ever, we must be engaged, and we must continue to fight for our rights.

So where do we start? How do we move forward? We start here, and we start now. We join like-minded groups, and we get involved in ways we may not have before. We engage with our local politicians and attend rallies and political events. We write letters and make phone calls, and we show up and speak up. We get involved in our synagogues’ social action committees. We work with local Religious Action Centers, and we spread their messages. We make donations to support entities that share our belief systems. And we don’t stop talking and spreading the message that we have power. The more people we get to join our causes, the more power we have.

Encourage friends and family members to get and stay involved in politics. Getting involved at the local level is the beginning of the journey. Learn how your local politicians vote and where they stand on the issues that are important to you. If they align with your views, thank them and encourage them to continue with your support. If they oppose your views, state your opinions and ask them to meet with you.

Bring a group of your allies to speak to your local politicians. Most of them will take the time to listen to you. If they won’t, that speaks volumes about who they are and how they govern. Write letters and send postcards. Send emails. They will get the message you’re sending. It may not change their position, but it may force them to rethink which bills they support and how they vote. Speak loud and speak often. They cannot keep us quiet, as we are strong, committed, powerful women. We are WRJ.