On the subject of religion and mandates, I recall how, two years into the pandemic, my synagogue suddenly imposed a vexing mandate on children 12 and under. I don’t know who on the board or among the clergy wanted this policy, but I have my guesses. My daughter and I having just gotten sick with the coof, yet me having scheduled volunteering, I told them either my daughter gets an exemption or I will refuse to consider any requests for my time) until the policy is reversed. Didn’t take long before a few members quietly agreed with me and told me they thought the policy was unfortunate. (In Canada in the part where I live, people will complain privately but hardly ever speak up. As a result, bad policies often get unchallenged.)

As my important contribution was suddenly gone, and as I started going to another less restrictive synagogue in part to be seen and make a point, and also perhaps as generally speaking provincial restrictions started coming down rather rapidly following the truckers’ protests of Feb 2022, my synagogue’s mandates were dropped quite as suddenly as they were introduced. I like to think that I was part of the reason the board got their heads out of their behinds.

I have often regretted finding it hard to say no when asked to volunteer, but in this case it was particularly useful leverage.

May we all find supportive communities in difficult times.