“What have you done? Listen! Your sibling’s blood cries out to me from the ground!” — Genesis 4:10.

Rosh Hashanah services at World to Come-Twin Cities included remarks and prayers around this passage. While the learning and prayer were meaningful in many ways, and I hope to share something positive in the days ahead, I am today struck insensible by reverberations with this message. Ayekha — How!”!

On September 11, right before Shabbat and the new year came in, I spoke with Ronnie Clark, my study partner incarcerated in Union Correctional Institution in Florida. He was concerned about many horrendous conditions he and others on Death Row are experiencing and very worried that the governor was about to announce another death warrant. Later that afternoon, DeSantis signed a warrant (details of warrant), scheduling the execution of William (Bill) Thompson — who is 74 and suffering dementia and other medical conditions — for October 13.

This missive, written by Ronnie Clark on September 12, arrived in my inbox today, 9/14/26. No thoughts at the moment beyond “What have you done? Listen! Your sibling’s blood…” and prayers for Bill, for Ronnie, and for all concerned; for dismantling of our carceral system; and for a better new year in so many ways.

What’s Wrong With This?

Alt text for image: adult forehead with puzzle pieces in place of “thought bubble”