On Wednesday evening, members of B’nai Jeshurun synagogue on Manhattan’s Upper West Side gathered in somber reflection.
They were sitting shivah. For real.
You can’t make it up.
JTA reports that what had originally been planned as a post-election prayer event took on a mournful tone after Donald Trump’s election victory was confirmed the previous day. “Senior Rabbi” Roly Matalon opened the gathering, describing it as a symbolic shivah, a space to collectively process the grief many felt in light of the election results. Approximately 100 people attended, including members and guests, greeting each other quietly with looks of disbelief.
B’nai Jeshurun is a self-described “non-denominational Jewish synagogue.”
“I feel as though I’m in mourning,” said Joel Soffin, 79, according to JTA. Referencing the tradition where one refrains from greetings during the early stages of shivah, he remarked, “That’s where I am right now.”
B’nai Jeshurun’s leadership had planned the prayer service well in advance, intending it to be a space for reflection regardless of the election outcome.
With Trump’s victory over Vice President Kamala Harris confirmed, the evening took on a solemn mood.
Also in attendance was Rep. Jerry Nadler, recently reelected to Congress to represent the district. He referenced Tehillim 137, saying, “‘By the rivers of Babylon, we sat and wept…’ This country now feels like unfamiliar ground.”
After the service, attendees joined small discussion groups, exchanging feelings of shock and disappointment.
JTA reports that one participant, Debra, 71, expressed worry about the potential undoing of years of advocacy for reproductive rights. She balanced her concern with hope, describing how her young granddaughter was moved to write a petition advocating for Harris, signaling a new generation’s desire for change.
In closing, Matalon acknowledged the need to reflect before looking to the future. “There will be a time after shivah to organize and strategize,” he said, “but right now, we sit together in our grief.”
As they say, you can’t make this stuff up.
{Matzav.com}