Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, of Blessed Memory, was a trail-blazer and fierce advocate for the rights of all. She worked tireless so that women and girls in the future might not have to struggle as she did, to be accepted as a woman in a man’s field.
Chief Justice John Roberts, in eulogizing her, mentioned her career, her determination and drive, and her personality, and referred to a famous picture of her and Justice Anton Scalia, of Blessed Memory, sitting on top of an elephant in India. He said, “and there was no indication that either was planning to push the other off.”
Their friendship was legendary; they were Washington’s “Odd Couple.” What makes this so significant, especially in light of Yom Kippur, is that the two were famously close friends, even though they had significant fundamental disagreements and opposing viewpoints.
This year, as we enter Yom Kippur, pray for Divine forgiveness and resolve to “do teshuva,” returning to God and to our authentic selves, May we resolve to listen to and learn from those with whom we disagree, and to champion equal rights for all.
May her memory be for blessing and inspiration, and may her soul be bound up in the bonds of eternal life, and when we entreat the Yeshiva shel Malka, the “Heavenly Court” on Kol Nidre, I will be imagining her taking her rightful place. Amen.
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Rabbi Susan Elkodsi
Malverne Jewish Center
516-593-6364
cell: 203-332-4428
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