Vigil

I attended a vigil in memory of those killed in the Pittsburgh shooting — and to show solidarity with my Jewish brothers and sisters.  It was packed!  Standing room only.

  And I felt such joy, even at this solemn occasion.  I puzzled last night about why I would feel joy.  And was it appropriate?  Or did it insult others who were there to grieve?

It was not that I was not sad or hurting or heartsick over these deaths. Rather, I was overjoyed to not be alone in grieving what we have lost as a nation. There are many of us who are searching for a way to demonstrate that we will not be a part of the prejudice and incivility and violence that is destroying the soul of America.  And last night gave us a way to say that by simply showing up.  Hugs and tears and candles and photos and prayers and kaddish for the dead and song.  We spoke through all of these.

So many people I knew last night.  So many people who had been moved to come and stand with others who value and dream of a world where differences are respected, and commonalities emphasized.  A world where curiosity replaces fear and where we are moved to inquire about other’s stories (and tell our own) rather than move apart and judge each other from a distance.

Grief was appropriate.  And joy as well.

Blessings,

Jane+