Endless possibilities

How much has really changed in the world in the last 24 hours? Not that much, but yet a great deal!

As a woman growing up and living in a comfortable, Jewish family in California in the last part of the 20th century, I’ve been blessed.  Never did we go hungry.  Never did I worry for my safety as I walked down the street.  I had access and privilege.  My parents and grandparents taught me to do what is right, to fight for civil rights and social justice.  To help redeem the captive and oppressed. To help feed and house those in need.  To protect the safety of others. To demand equal freedoms for all human beings.  To do my civic duty and exercise my rights as a citizen of this country.

Never did I think that as a woman I couldn’t do what a man could do.  I knew women rabbis.  I learned about women political leaders, like Golda and Margaret.  Of course I’ve experienced chauvinism and the proverbial glass ceiling. Yet, I’ve always felt empowered.

Today feels different, though.

As I think about my 2 sons, my 4 nieces and 4 nephews, I feel like the world will be different for them.  The possibility that we can have a woman leader of the most powerful nation on this planet, overwhelms me, and I am filled with emotions.

I am filled with hope. Hope that what we’ve always said, that “when a woman sits in the Oval Office” things will change.

I am filled with anticipation for the months ahead. The hard work that we all must do to silence and marginalize the racism and bullying and bigotry. The hard work that we will do to advance the causes of civil rights for all.

I am anxious about the inevitable misogyny and double standards that will continue to arise in our public square conversations.

Today, I feel like the possibilities are endless and the stumbling blocks are being obliterated.