{"id":53621,"date":"2024-04-16T10:21:38","date_gmt":"2024-04-16T14:21:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jewishpb.org\/fed\/?p=53621"},"modified":"2024-10-16T11:13:40","modified_gmt":"2024-10-16T15:13:40","slug":"jcrc-blog-pitching-in-to-preserve-democracy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jewishpb.org\/fed\/2024\/04\/16\/jcrc-blog-pitching-in-to-preserve-democracy\/","title":{"rendered":"JCRC Blog: Pitching in to Preserve Democracy"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/span><\/p>\n

By Linda Geller-Schwartz
\nChair, Jewish Community Relations Council
\n<\/span>Published April 16, 2024<\/span><\/p>\n

Fulfilling Our Responsibilities of Citizenship<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

In most American synagogues, Shabbat services include a prayer for the Government of the United States. As far back as Biblical times, Jews recognized<\/a> the importance of residing in prosperous and stable states for our well-being. Despite our yearning to return to Zion, the conditions of exile were crucial for our continued welfare and survival. It is understandable that prayers for good governance in countries of residence have been a longstanding tradition.<\/span><\/p>\n

Most modern prayers for the United States ask God to bless the leaders of the country, judges and officials in the hope that they will be wise, just and fair and that they will create happiness and peace in the land.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some prayers place an obligation upon us, not just our leaders.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

For example, the Conservative Liv Shalem Siddur<\/a> provides an Alternative Prayer for our Country that states: “May each of us fulfill our responsibilities of citizenship with care, generosity, and gratitude\u2026Bless those who volunteer to labor on behalf of us all; may they find the strength and courage to complete their tasks and fulfill their dreams.” This blessing extends beyond our elected officials, our judges, or members of the armed forces. You do not have to be elected or selected to volunteer to work on behalf of the community. This, too, is part of being a citizen and should be praised and blessed.<\/span><\/p>\n

We all should educate ourselves on the issues and candidates and vote.<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

In between elections, we should advocate with our legislators for policies that we believe will create a more just country and world. When election time comes around, there are many volunteer opportunities which can allow us to exercise our responsibilities as American Citizens.<\/span><\/p>\n

Opportunities for you to contribute:<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n