The American people have spoken and elected former President Donald J. Trump as the 47th President of the United States. Our prayers are with him and the entire nation.
As the rabbinic arm of the largest centrist Jewish movement in the world, we engage with congregants and community members with a diverse array of political views. We know first-hand that many of them are fearful this week after a long, tense, and difficult election season in which candidates for multiple offices throughout the nation played to hate and fear instead of civility and respect.
We call upon President-elect Trump and the incoming administration to uphold the rights of all Americans and make true efforts to mend the tears in the fabric of our society. In doing so, he has an opportunity to nurture the democratic values and commitment to pluralism that have allowed the American Jewish community to thrive for generations.
Voters demonstrated that they are looking for leaders who can provide increased economic opportunities that will meaningfully improve the lives of all Americans. Indeed, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to find dignified work that provides food, clothing, and shelter for themselves and their families as we seek to create a more just and caring society.
President-elect Trump has an unyielding obligation to call out and fight extremism and antisemitism from every corner of the political spectrum. This includes an obligation to continue the struggle against racism and discrimination that are the source of so much inequality and suffering in American society.
We look forward to him reaffirming America’s unbreakable relationship with and commitment to Israel as it faces existential threats to its future as a secure and democratic Jewish state.
Finally, in the wake of vengeful and divisive campaign rhetoric, we are reminded that, in Jewish tradition, our leaders are charged to actively promote harmony, pursue peace, and treat each person with love. As Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers) 1:12 teaches, “Hillel says: be of the disciples of Aaron, loving peace and pursuing peace, loving humankind and drawing them close to the Torah.”