This week’s Daily Kavanot will be written by two members of our musical team: Cantorial Intern Andrew Paskil and Educational and Cantorial Intern Lauren Roth, who each contributed to the beautiful sound of our High Holy Day services. Andrew was named our Cantorial Intern in July and has been part of our musical team for over a year. Lauren is finishing her master’s in Jewish Education and Leadership this spring, and will then return to New York to complete her cantorial studies.

I’ve voted … now what?

This year was the first time in a while that I did not receive my “I voted” sticker. I cannot proudly display it while I strut around town, hopefully inspiring others to also vote. Instead, my vote travels alone in a sealed envelope, making its long journey back to New York. Sticker or not, I have indeed voted. So, now what?

I have done my civil due diligence, but am I free to simply check this off of my to-do list and start the next thing? If my vote does not change what I desperately want to fix, do I then throw my hands up and surrender to the defeat? In Pirkei Avot 2:16 it says, “You do not need to finish the work, but you are not free to desist from it.”

Once the election results come in, whether the results are in our favor or not, we cannot be complacent. We must continue to work for what we believe in. We can lobby, we can work with outside organizations, and we can use our feet, our hearts, and our voices to implement the change we desire.

Songwriter Elana Arian, who has sung here at Stephen Wise Temple, wrote these words:

Chorus:
I have a voice, my voice is powerful
My voice can change the world

I will open my eyes
I will not look away
I will use this gift I’ve been given every day …

I will give of myself
I will reach out my hand
I will use this heart I’ve been given
And take a stand … (chorus)

I will fight for the truth
I’ll stand up for what’s right
I will use this strength I’ve been given
And be a light … (chorus)

Baruch atah, Adonai Eloheinu
melech haolam, she’asanu b’tzelem Elohim
(chorus)

I’ve done my duty of voting and I can pat myself on the back, but my work has only begun.

—Lauren Roth