As they say, when life—or in this case the political process—gives you lemons, well, you know.
Here we are, celebrating a moment that we look back on with a certain amount of reverence along with a large dose of 2017 reality. We see clearly the compromises the FFs made as they stated boldly that all men are created equal, though we know they didn’t really mean all men any more than they meant those who held up the other half of the sky. A decent respect to the opinions of the current population requires that we balance gratitude for the wisdom our founders had with understanding of their flaws and of the flawed compromises they made.
For several years I’ve had the pleasure of being in a class at Temple Israel where we look at our ancient texts and create new midrash, or stories behind the stories, stories that tell other ways it might have happened. Always our teacher, Rabbi Elaine Zecher, tells us to start with two things—context and world view. That’s what we need to do with our Declaration of Independence, too, if we are to try to realize its most idealistic objectives.
Right now I am finding idealism hard to come by. I am dismayed and disheartened by what this country, or at least its leadership, is at this exact moment. But I’m going to try to make lemonade, and I offer you this recipe.
Lemonade Syrup
Combine and boil for 5 minutes:
2 c. sugar
1 c. water
the rind of two lemons
I’ve always cut the rind into thin strips which I leave in the syrup, but
I’m also thinking zesting the rind would work, too, so I’m going to try that
next time.
Cool and add the juice of 6 lemons. Strain (optional) and refrigerate.
This recipe makes a pint of syrup. When you’re ready for a glass of lemonade, just add 2 Tbsp. of syrup to a glass of water.
Happy 4th of July. Gulp.
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