Despite our great skepticism of the latest in government bailouts, stimuli packages – call them what you will – we experienced a thrill being at the heart of it. It’s a brief reminder of the excitement and political engagement we felt back in August, during the Convention.
And pride.
Proud of our community, our religious leaders, in this case Rabbi Joel Schwartzman, who delivered an invocation at the signing of the bill. (We have to admit that we’re not exactly sure why a religious invocation is necessary at such an event, but nevertheless, we’ll take our kicks when we can get them).
But it’s not just the PR opportunity over which we’re kvelling, it’s what Rabbi Schwartzman represents, why he was chosen by Mayor Hickenlooper for this honor. Rabbi Schwartzman serves as an advisor for Denver’s Road Home, Hickenlooper’s action plan for ending homelessness in Denver, a problem which – and now we come full circle – will only worsen in this current economic climate.
So let’s take this moment to feel proud – and also to learn by example and reflect upon what we, like Rabbi Schwartzman, can do in the name of tikkun olam.
