by Rabbi Marty Waldman

Ecclesiastes [Kohelet] 3:1-8  There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven–

— a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot,

— a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build,

— a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,

— a time to throw stones and a time to gather stones, a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

— a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to discard,

— a time to tear and a time to sew, a time to keep silent and a time to speak,

— a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.

On this day and at this time many in America are rejoicing and laughing, but at the same time in our country many are also weeping and crying. The Presidential election is over. Donald J. Trump has become our president elect. For many, Trump’s victory comes as a complete surprise, but for others this apparent electoral upset comes as no surprise whatsoever. There certainly has been no shortage of prognosticators during this hard fought and “nasty” campaign. Had Hillary Clinton emerged victorious, a divided populous would be just as apparent as it is now with anti-Trump riots across the US.

In many ways this nation has become the “Divided” States of America and is in dire need of a time to heal. As most of you, I grew up reciting The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag: “I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

It’s not easy to live up to those words. On a personal level the understanding of being one nation under God is the place to start. Giving credit and glory to God is to honor Him. We read in 1 Samuel 2:30, “…those who honor Me I will honor…” Restoring the “United” in the USA will not be easy but will be worth the effort. Based on the principle of unity under God found in Psalm 133 we could expect a “blessing” and an anointing as a nation. The struggle to reunite our nation after the civil war was difficult but worth it. The United States of America can be a force for good in the world…it’s worth it.

This is a time to heal, not a time to kill or to throw stones. It is a time to gather, not a time to scatter or divide. It’s a time to build, not a time to tear down. For some it’s a time to laugh, but not in the faces of those who are weeping. For the USA the present time needs to be a time to love, not to hate. In my personal opinion this moment in our country’s history is a time to pray and humble our hearts before the Almighty, not a time to gloat over a political victory. Let’s apprehend the grace and favor of God while we still have time to seek His face.

Will you join me in praying for our nation at a time when so many are hurting and disillusioned? Please continue to pray for our current and future leaders as well.