One of John Lennon’s last songs, left unfinished and released after his death, was ‘Nobody Told Me’. One line in the first stanza has stayed with me since I was a teenager.

Nobody told me there’d be days like these, Strange days indeed, most peculiar mama!

We’ve all felt the truth of this in the last few years - in 2020, and in the last two years, but in the context of American society and politics, we have truly stepped into a house of mirrors, a confusing and ever-changing maelstrom of competing narratives, truths, and mandates. These last weeks have topped all the strangeness that has come before, but if there’s one thing I’m sure of, it is that we will see more surprising and stressful news to inform our choices in the weeks to come.

The Federation takes its commitment to non-partisanship very seriously. No doubt we all have personal preferences, but organizationally as a 501(c)3 designated charity we must hew to that commitment. So it is with that in mind that I have a few suggestions for us all in this strange time.

• It is a privilege to live in a country where you have a right and obligation to participate in the democratic process. Please don’t take it for granted.
• Ask yourself if an uninformed vote is a responsible choice. And if the answer is no, then determine the issues that are most important to you and ask the questions, or do the research you need to make a responsible choice.
• Make sure that the sources of information you choose are factual. Every source has some subjectivity. Does it inform a responsible choice if it is not based on fact, but only ideology (on either side)?
• If you choose to echo or amplify information, especially via social media, the above points become even more important. In addition, what you amplify, and its accuracy, are a reflection of your own credibility. Be responsible! Protect your brand!
• Issues are one element of your choice. No doubt, heart and values are another. They should inform your choices as well. And remember, we have a simple guide set out for us in the Torah and Talmud: “Love Your Neighbor As Yourself” or, put another way, “Do Not Do Unto Others That Which Is Hateful To You”. Most people deserve grace and respect. Don’t be afraid to extend it to them.
• I’ve heard from more people than ever, from all points on the political spectrum, that right now, they are a one-issue-voter. Their sole criteria for decision making is the position of the candidates for any office on matters critical to the Jewish people and Israel. There are grounds to take this approach and grounds to take a multi-issue approach. I’m not going to litigate which is better in this message. I will advise that the responsibility to base decisions on facts and on Jewish values applies here too.
• There is a third approach, which is to elevate this issue to the top of your agenda but to include other issues as well. I encourage you all to reach out to candidates to hear from them directly, and participate when opportunities to engage with them publicly emerge.

If you want to be informed about our community’s most important collective issue, join us as we embark on our Rockland Unity Mission late next month. These are the last few days to register. It is a powerful experience and an incredible itinerary. Join us HERE!