I spent Saturday reading philosophy instead of attending synagogue, and found that my tradition was unwilling to let me wallow in my meaninglessness. Abraham Joshua Heschel, the greatest Jewish philosopher of our time, was only one of the many voices insisting that we start with what we can. "The teaching of Judaism is the theology of the common deed," he wrote. Doing things can make a difference. Powerful changes are in fact only possible by immersing ourselves in the world and trying to take part. "Perhaps the essential teaching of Judaism is that in doing the finite we may perceive the infinite."

Most surprisingly, Washington also offers a cry to action. We make mistakes, it says, but we have the power to make a difference and we're going to continue to try to do so. The new Franklin D. Roosevelt monument contains many quotes. The following is relevant both for the whole nation and for each individual who makes up a part:

"The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today. Let us move forward with strong and active faith."

Shira H. Fischer '01, a Crimson executive, is a biochemical sciences concentrator in Kirkland House. After a month in Israel, she is now working in Washington at the National Academy of Sciences, and is trying to smile at as many people as she can.