Many of us are deeply affected, probably more so than we even know, by the suffering in Israel and Gaza. I didn't release the last episode (though I did have one ready) because it felt bizarre not to address or at least acknowledge the situation, but I was absolutely drained. I was scared for the Hamas hostages, worried about my brother in Israel, terrified for the Palestinians...in short, there was no energy left over and I had nothing to say outside of the small circle of family and few loved ones checking in. This mini-sode is just an acknowledgment, a moment to ask us all to pause, not fill the silence we may be seeing from others with our own assumptions, respect one another's grief and pain, try not to add to the violence rhetorically, emotionally, or otherwise, and be a source of light if and where we can.
May the Source of Peace send peace to all who mourn,
And comfort to all who are bereaved.
May the Source of Strength, who blessed the ones before us,
Help us find the courage to make our lives a blessing.
And let us say, Amen.
MORE:
The Mourner's Kaddish is a very holy prayer, dating back almost 2000 years to the time of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.
Mi Sheberach is the traditional prayer said for healing, and to bring to mind those who are suffering, and need divine goodness. Here is Debbie Friedman's rendition of the beautiful and soothing prayer, in the tune I and many others grew up with.
Trying to get those last few dollars out the door for your 2025 charitable donations? Or maybe you just have a little extra this season, when so many don't have enough? There but for the grace of God go all of us, amirite? Well, if this is you, please consider giving to the Hebrew Free Loan Association of Greater Washington so they can continue making interest-free loans to community members in a bind--like myself. And thank you!
