It’s not always so easy to align the human calendar with the forest calendar. Sometimes it means being open to surprise.

Last night began the 18th yahrzeit (anniversary of his passing) of my father Sam Coopersmith. I set out to honor him in the traditional way, to light a candle and say the ancient Kaddish prayer. But as the sun was setting and the wind kept shifting, I found myself multitasking: struggling to keep the candle from blowing out, fending off the mosquitoes, adding an extra layer of clothing, keeping things from blowing away. I went through the motions, but didn’t feel much connection with either my father or the forest.

This morning the weather is mild and calm. With the tent and camping gear packed and in the car, I’m preparing to leave and head north. In a way that I can’t explain, the forest feels inviting, so I‘ll give Kaddish another try.

As soon as I start saying the ancient Aramaic words, something shifts in the forest. I don’t really know how to express this (and you might be questioning my sanity) but let me try anyway: the trees are listening. The trees are paying attention. Why? I wonder as I’m saying the prayer.

… May the Great Name be blessed and exalted, praised and sanctified …

Maybe it’s because so far I’ve been just another transient human to these redwoods, no more permanent than a passing mosquito. But here’s something older than they are, from my own legacy: this ancient prayer.

… beyond all blessing, exaltation, praise and song, and comfort — that can be said in this world …

It comes through my father, and my mother, and their parents, and their parents and their parents parents going back some 3,000 years. That’s a time scale they can relate to. So they’re ready to pray with me.

Now my father, Sam, is present too. We embrace each other with joy. We’ve both been wanting this, the connection between where he is and where I am.
So here we are, all of us saying Kaddish together. The stream of legacy, flowing through countless generations, uniting us all.

… may the Source the of Peace in high places bring us peace in this world. And let us say, amen!

At this moment of national emergency, it is time for the Democratic Party, and all of us who support Democrats, to up our game.

My wife and I have been life-long Democrats, supporting candidates with our votes and contributions, staying informed and encouraging everyone we know to do the same, and posting on public media.

What got our attention this morning was learning about the latest atrocity of Trump regime: targeting young children in Defense Department schools. Tearing down the “All Are Welcome” signs? Banning beloved children’s books? Banning girls’ STEM clubs? In the U.S. military? Give me a break! (See attached NY Times article.)

And this is just one day. What about all the other days — the daily, unconstitutional, criminal assaults on America by the Trump regime? Where is the public outrage? Where are the Democrats?

Our passionate request to you and the Democratic party: a Daily National Democratic News Conference:

* High profile, well publicized.
* Conducted by a different Democratic leader (Senator, Representative, etc.) each day.
* Counter the Trump/Musk/Vance/Hegseth lies with truth.
* Highlight the atrocities, the lawlessness, the violations of our Constitution, and how this threatens our present and future.
* Highlight the destruction of our international alliances, of turning the world against us, of the Trump tariffs and trade wars — and how this will affect people’s lives.
* Highlight the suffering that these actions will be causing ordinary Americans, especially in red states.
* Offer Americans a way to report criminal actions by the Trump administration.
* Explain how Democrats are fighting back: in the courts, in Congress, and by organizing.

If you and the Democratic Party can move forward boldly in this way, you will find that we, and tens of millions of Americans across the country like us, will be enthusiastically supporting you.

Thank you.

Marty

On April 2, 2024 we got the sad news yesterday from the Aquarian Minyan that a dear friend to many of us in the Bay Area Jewish Renewal community, Marty Potrop, had just passed away on April 1, at age 72. May his memory be a blessing.

I wrote about Marty in Holy Beggars. He was Shomer — literally “Guardian,” or Board Chair — of the Minyan in 1997. Eventually the controversy that was raging in the community at that time became so intense that he felt he could no longer hold the community together.

So he called one night to ask if I would be willing take on that role if the Council invited me. That was the last thing in the world I wanted, and I felt that he was better qualified than I was. But Marty argued very passionately that new leadership was needed during this difficult time, and he wanted me to step up.

It was the most intense and intimate conversation that we ever had with each other. And there were consequences that neither of us could foresee.

So Marty, in honor of your memory brother, and with prayers in my heart for peace and light and blessings at this stage of your journey, I want to share these passages from Holy Beggars: Shomer.