On November 9, we mark the somber anniversary of Kristallnacht, a harrowing event that many Holocaust scholars view as a violent prelude to the murder of six million Jews. The Museum of Tolerance reminds us that, for Jews in the aftermath of that shattered night, there was a chilling realization: political antisemitism can spiral into violence, even in so-called civilized societies. The lessons of history weigh heavily upon us today, urging us to confront hatred, in all its forms, head-on.

So, what can we do? Fear, silence, and passive hope are not options. We must take action! One of the most impactful ways to honor our heritage is by embracing the Jewish value of civic engagement and casting our votes in today’s election. Judaism teaches us that voting is not just a civic duty; it is framed by many of our rabbis and sages as a mitzvah. The Torah instructs us, “Tzedek, tzedek tirdof” (Deuteronomy 16:20)—“Justice, justice shall you pursue.” By participating in the electoral process, we pay tribute to those who suffered without a voice and affirm our commitment to justice.

But our call to action doesn’t end on Election Day. Regardless of the outcome of today's election, it takes daily courage and resilience to make choices that shape the world we want to live in. At Temple Judea, our B'tzelem social justice and social action groups offer tangible ways to create positive change in our community: one act of loving kindness at a time. 

As we reflect on how to amplify our voices—not just at the polls but in our everyday lives—we invite you to join us on November 6 at 7 PM for a special speaker event featuring Joel Poremba, author of My Name is Staszek Surdel. Joel will share the remarkable survival story of his father, Nathan, who was a child during the Holocaust. His powerful narrative not only recounts a painful past but also inspires each of us to rise against hatred with our voices and actions. Register here.

Together, let’s ensure our voices are heard loud and clear! If you haven’t voted yet, now is the time! Click here to find local vote center locations and ballot drop boxes. And don’t forget to check tomorrow's B'tzelem newsletter for more ways you can make a difference in our community.