Simon Says, June 26, 2020

This week’s Haftarah comes at a timely fashion.  The Haftarah starts with Samuel’s announcing to the assembled people after Saul’s victory over the Ammonites, “Come, let us go to Gilgal and there inaugurate the monarchy.”  The people went to Gilgal and anointed Saul King of Israel.

This past Tuesday was primary day in some states.  And we a couple of days ago received a primary ballot in the mail; I guess that all registered voters received a ballot in the mail.  When King Saul was crowned, there was a celebration involving, the Book of Samuel says, “kol ha-am,” all of the people. 

At every election in this Country, there should be a celebration, involving “all of the people.”  In 2008, we in this Country recorded a record turnout, but the record turnout was only 62 percent of eligible voters.  A far cry from “all of the people.”

I am probably preaching to the choir, but you should vote.  Maybe you think the primary in July is useless, but you should develop the habit of voting, especially since the county clerk sent you a ballot, and you don’t need to spend a penny to mail it in.  This November, we will have general election, and remember to vote.  Maybe, in this Country we will eclipse the 62 percent of eligible voters.  Maybe, in this Country, “all of the people” will help to determine the leaders of this government.