Elections, Not Civil War: Ruminations On the Eve of Election Day

By Rabbi Boaz D. Heilman

Monday, November 2, 2020, 9 pm Mountain Time

Out here in Colorado, it’s the last few hours in the last day of campaigning. This is the eve of Election Day in the United States, and one as important as this one deserves and demands special thoughts and prayers.

First: Let us recognize that voting is a unique right we enjoy as citizens. It is also a privilege. In many other countries, your vote doesn’t count. Or else it’s forced upon you. In America, yes, you are bombarded by messages from all sides, each trying to influence you and tell you that they are the best product. But, based on all that you hear and learn, when it comes to marking the ballot, you are free to make your own decision, free to choose the candidate you think is best for the country.

At the same time, however, we all recognize that the November 2020 election is probably the most divisive one that of us have ever experienced. 

The hostility did not stop with words. At times it escalated into violence. Some of the most hateful features of humanity—hatred, bigotry and anti-Semitism—have been given image and voice. At times we sense a tangible threat in the way some groups act.

And that is why tomorrow is such an important day. A sense of what America is and of what it can be must prevail. We owe ourselves that, and we owe that to the world.

What will happen the day after tomorrow is what will truly matter. How we handle ourselves as individuals, as communities and as a nation will say more about America than any flag waving or military parade. If we are able to keep the peace among ourselves, we will provide proof that we are, indeed, one nation. One people.

Restoring and maintaining civility among ourselves is essential, both tomorrow—election day—and in the days and weeks after that.

For better or for worse, America has served as a symbol and a beacon for all humanity for more than two centuries now. The true test of what this country stands for will be in our ability to show strength through unity. Yes, we are a diverse concoction of humanity. We are of different colors, origins, faiths and genders. We argue and even fight among ourselves. And yes, our system isn’t always fair or just. But at the end of the day, we are one nation. We are there not only for ourselves, but also for one another. Especially at challenging times such as those we are going through now.

There will be many problems to resolve in the next few months. If we fight among ourselves, we will become distracted from the true goals we need to achieve: 1) universal health and freedom from the COVID pandemic; 2) ways to deal with climate change and the extreme effects it has on all parts of the world.

We don’t have the luxury of being bystanders in these immensely important endeavors. Each of us is affected. 

I offer a prayer for peace and healing; for strength and unity. May it be so. 

© 2020 by Boaz D. Heilman