It is profoundly distressing to observe how our country has changed for the worse in the week since President Trump’s inauguration. It is disconcerting and disorienting to see prejudice combined with incompetence at the highest levels of our government. We are better than this.

We promised ourselves that we would not stand idly by while core values of our country are trampled upon. We promised ourselves that we would live up to our solemn Jewish obligations to defend the weak, the disenfranchised, the stranger and the suffering. We do not have a choice. We are compelled to act in any way we can to preserve the character of our country and to defend the values our tradition upholds.

We must fight back. It is our civic duty. Democracy requires it and Judaism mandates it.

Accordingly, we will convene a community gathering at the synagogue on Sunday, February 5, at 10:30 a.m. At that time, our clergy team will present our plan of action and detail how you can join in what is likely to be a long-term struggle to sustain the values that made America great.

I urge you to make every effort to attend. We will need many people of different skills and backgrounds. If you plan to join us, please RSVP here.

I will be addressing the damage inflicted on our country, and our congregational response, this Erev Shabbat in my sermon.

Stephen Wise Free Synagogue has always been at the forefront of the struggle to make America great. Help us to sustain this legacy.