On May 9, I participated in a program at White Sands Missile Range that highlighted the contributions of members of the Jewish community to American life.
Having just seen “Avengers: Endgame,” I decided to focus on the creators of comic book heroes, popular songs, comedy and classic films whose Jewish roots and upbringing may have influenced their work.
“Schindler’s List” (Steven Spielberg), the song “Over the Rainbow” (Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg) from “The Wizard of Oz,” Superman (Joe Shuster and Jerry Siegel), and Batman (Robert Kahn/Kane and Bill Finger) all illustrated the value of holding on to our aspirations to make a positive difference in the world.
In each one of those examples, none of the work could be done alone. Even superheroes needed to partner with dedicated people who were supporting them. And Dorothy couldn’t have made it home by herself.
Perhaps that is the draw of the “Avengers” films. Each hero has personal challenges. Together, the heroes realize that their individual abilities, added to the whole, have the potential to make them collectively (and ultimately) invincible.
The enthusiastic worldwide response to “Avengers: Endgame,” I believe, demonstrates a commitment of fans not only to seeing a film with fast-paced action, or wanting to know “what will happen this time,” but also to the principle of people working in concert to do something incredible.
That is how we create community: by working together for a common goal.
We see teamwork in musical performances, theatrical presentations, films, sports, interest groups, and organizations.
We have witnessed coordinated action in the extensive efforts of local groups to offer hospitality and care to asylum seekers who spend a few days in Las Cruces and other nearby communities before going to their sponsors in other parts of the country.
Those acts of kindness mirror what we have been doing all along to offer assistance to local residents who are in need of food, clothing and shelter.
We have also witnessed communities coming together at times of tragedy. At this writing, on Memorial Day, I can look at the flag in my home that was presented to my family at the funeral of my father, who was a World War II veteran.
The violent attacks on houses of worship in recent months, in the United States and around the world, have brought people together to resolve to offer one another greater understanding, support and security.
Sometimes, a sense of community can be resilient in ways we may not expect. I attended the funeral in St. Louis of my 43 year-old friend (and harmonizer on my three albums), Angela Gold, several weeks ago.
Angela’s health challenges began at age 27, and continued in the years following. During all that time, she remained active and vibrant as a teacher, singer, guitar instructor, creator of jewelry, and participant in music conferences.
I met some of her closest friends for the first time at her 27th birthday celebration, and easily reconnected with them at the funeral. The family requested those who had gathered for the evening service, customary on the day of a funeral (and the evenings following), to remain afterwards and join together in song to pay tribute to Angela’s memory.
Several generations of friends and family fashioned a meaningful musical tapestry of remembrance, a “circle of song” that offered warmth and comfort.
That is the heroic work we can do for each other: giving support to create and sustain harmony, security, healing and hope.
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