ב”ה الحمد لله
As I posted previously, I’ve been living here in Oakland and wondering what to do to connect with the larger community here, especially in light of the latest police-related deaths. And then, in what felt like a gracious gift from On High, I got an email from my stepson’s school, which listed a protest march scheduled for Saturday. The exquisite way this event fit into my life and schedule is hard to describe, but I’ll try.
- I don’t always immediately read through the school emails, but this one I did
- The event was billed as a peaceful demonstration, appropriate for family and kids
- The organizers were calling for specific action, rather than just expressing anger/outrage
- The timing was the afternoon on the Sabbath, comfortably after morning services and the kiddush lunch that follows, a time when I’m always free
- The location was a half hour walk from the synagogue.
This last point was crucial, since on the Sabbath my only mode of transportation is my feet!
And boy did I use them yesterday. Approximately nine miles, all told. But it was great to see all walks of life walking together, a spectrum of ages, a range of colors, all united in purpose.
I felt connected, purposeful, and part of something larger than myself.
So it was a nice first step, if you will.
And today, the ache in my legs feels like a well-earned reminder of precious time on this earth well spent.