The time is now!

This week there was a confluence of current events which led me to believe that we must act now. First, I hope that everyone voted this week and plans to vote again at the midterms in November.  It is crucial if you want your voice to be heard whether it be in local or national government.  I was glad to vote in our Illinois primary and I am looking forward to voting in November.  I am also so proud of our High School seniors who voted for the first time in this primary! 

Second, Speaking of students, this Saturday morning students from all over the nation are joining with their parents and adults in the community to protest gun violence and advocate for gun control in the United States.  There was another school shooting yesterday in Maryland and I hope by the time you read this blog there will have not been another shooting.  It is frightening to watch ads pop up about bullet proof back backs and even sadder bullet proof preschool nap cushions.  What has the world come to?  I hope that in the future we can look back and say that this year with the students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas high school leading the way that was the tipping point in gun control in this country. I pray that our representatives in Washington DC are moved to take action and pass REAL laws that will help us and our children in school stay safe.

Third, this week in our Lakeside Social action meeting with met with the Citizens' Climate Lobby. We learned about Carbon Fee & Dividend policy which levels the playing field between those who have the resources and those who do not and it also lowers carbon emissions which as science will tell you is the leading cause of the climate change.  Check out their website and see what they have to say.

Find your passion, pick a project and do something this week.  

Our sage Hillel  “If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?”

It is up to us to start making the world a better place right now.  We can not be complacent about it taking on new tasks.  We must get up and get out to make sure our voices are heard.  Pick your task:  working on a political campaign, joining Citizens' Lobby, going to the March for our lives or just talking about some of this at your upcoming Passover Seder next week.  
We must tell the story in every generation and sometimes we must listen to what this generation has to say to us.  This year at my Seder we have asked our children to lead the Seder and engage us in discussion.  I am looking forward to their discussion and learning from them.  Have a wonderful Pesach and let me know what you discussed at your Seder!

Posters done by our Pre and Confirmation class