It is somehow fitting, then, that during this high holiday season-this period of reflection and repentance reconciliation and renewal-we honor and grieve a giant of justice. Justice Ginsburg once commented that she aspired “to make life a little better for people less fortunate.” She defined a meaningful existence as “ not just for oneself, but for one’s community.” She embodied this commitment with every ounce and instant of her being.Īncient Jewish teaching suggests that God chooses those who pass on Rosh Hashanah, the transition from the old year to the new, because they are the most righteous-because their service, their tzedakah, is the most sorely needed for the full duration.

She understood the heavy burden that persistent inequality placed on them most of all. She fought for women (and men, she might add) of every color and creed and circumstance: for the equal protection of the most vulnerable and marginalized in our society. She cared deeply, and was deeply concerned, about the rights of all people. The bridge that spanned these twin loves-what made her such an exemplary lawyer, advocate, and judge-rested on the bedrock of empathy. Her testimony from the podium that night lifted our sights-and a surprise performance from a favorite mezzo-soprano lifted her spirits, in turn.

That evening, her notorious passions were on display: Her love of the law and of the arts. I had long admired Justice Ginsburg, but my first real interaction with her was this past February-so long ago, it seems-when she helped present my friend Aggie Gund with the Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Woman of Leadership Award.

Ruth bader ginsburg images