A blue wave overcame us. I’ve always liked the color blue. I have blue suits, blue ties, blue sneakers. I’ve had blue cars, and sometimes, but not too often, a blue mood. In this past election, I admit that I voted mostly blue but also some red, in positions where expertise and credentials mattered more.

Now that the results are in and more Texans like blue for the first time in 30 years, we’re adjusting to new opportunities. For us, those opportunities come with some heavy responsibilities. The most favorable opportunities will likely be in education, healthcare, and services that reach everyone. And “love your neighbor” and “welcome the stranger” will be Golden Rules rather than exceptions, again. It won’t happen overnight, and no one has the power to make comprehensive changes. That’s why the time between these elections and November 2028 are so important.

As of November 3, there are many more blue politicians, but many of them are unaware, uneducated, and unmoved by our concern for Israel and Jews in America. Our responsibility is to reach those who represent us in elected office and educate them on Israel’s history and Jewish history in America. Without understanding us better, we can’t expect that the future will be better for us or other minorities in America. Judaism thrives in democracy. When Judaism is at risk, it’s always been a bellwether of increased bigotry, racism, and hate against everyone. Though there are many hotspots in the world where people suffer, Jews and Israel remain at the center of political contests and at the top of political agendas. We bear the burden of a double standard while we advocate for our principles, both American and Jewish.

Partnerships with those in power will leverage our voices. On many concerning issues we need to be heard and heeded if American democracy and Jewish values will thrive. The ADL, AJC, AIPAC, and others will lead many efforts to educate and guide elected officials on Israel and Jewish matters. They do it for the sake of the Jewish people, but also for all people who rely on the enduring values founded on documents that frame our country’s strengths. They also are represented in the Declaration of Independence of Israel. Though Israel has no constitution, its Declaration of Independence is a charter that speaks of life, opportunity, and hope while maintaining a commitment to being both Jewish and democratic.

For years now, I’ve urged us to educate ourselves on Israel and Jewish history. There’s no end to what we can learn, but it can’t be learned until we begin. And after we learn, we teach. Jewish leaders in our own community learned and then taught our children and adults how to comprehend a part of complex American/Jewish issues. Their efforts planted seeds of understanding that grew in fruitful ways. Education makes us all witnesses to the past; then it enables us to become advocates for important social and political change in the future.

As the swearing in and installation ceremonies approach and the dust settles on the elections, we’ll know better where our resources of time and energy are needed. Until then, let’s prepare ourselves to engage in the work that our country and our people need. Let’s learn about our newly elected officials, both blue and red, and let’s engage with synagogues and organizations that represent our commitments to democracy and Torah values, beginning with love your neighbor and welcome the stranger.

May our country thrive and democracy rule, may the values we cherish be honored where we live and work, and may we bear up to the responsibilities that flow from all the hands that contribute to building our nation and our people.

L’Shalom,