Dear Friends,
Weathering the storm is the current challenge. We are all in this together, even though we are experiencing the storm in very different ways. Some of us are alone, isolated. Some of us are together, isolated. Some of us are on the front lines of service. Some of us have lost jobs and are struggling financially. Some of us are inundated with work which has become overwhelming. However we are experiencing it, we are all striving to weather the storm.
Our double Torah portion reminds us that life is full of ups and downs. Tazria begins with reflections on birth, on new life, on creativity with all of its joys and challenges. Metzora reminds us that sometimes we are isolated, apart, confused, anxious, needing connection when connection is extremely limited.
With the help of our connection to Torah and to virtual community for the time being, we are together even when we are weathering our current storm in such disparate ways.
Join us for our zoom sessions. We welcome new faces and delight in seeing our regulars. Join us for Jewish life enhanced through connection.
And let’s not forget that Israel’s Memorial Day, Yom HaZikaron, is this coming Monday night and Tuesday. It is a day of sadness and sorrow. A day when we sense the storm clouds surrounding us. But, then, on Tuesday night and Wednesday of this week, we celebrate Israel Independence Day, Yom HaAtzmaut. That is a day in which we celebrate Israel’s 72nd birthday and, with it, we celebrate the sunshine in our lives. We celebrate the ups, the creativity, the joy, the potential for flourishing more and more – even if this year the memorial services and the celebrations will be virtual.
We are all weathering the storm. May we be blessed with a rapid clearing of the storm clouds, with healing and with comfort for those experiencing illness, grief and loss, and with a sense of inner peace that will uplift us, sustain us and bring us the blessing of hope.
Shabbat Shalom, Chodesh Tov (a good new Jewish month) and Chag Atzmaut Sameach (a Happy Israel Independence Day)!
Rabbi Gilah Dror
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