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Good afternoon, Chaverim, 

As I looked for a quote to share today, I saw this gorgeous poem posted by a friend who had recently lost someone dear.  Its beauty evoked deep gratitude in me, so I thought it might do the same for you… 

Here is today’s Gratitude Thought in the Middle of a Pandemic:

“Duet of Joy and Sorrow 

When the beginning ends, 
And the ending begins,
So that the beginning
Can begin again…

In the moment
That the flame jumps
From match to candle,
Extinguishing the match
To bring light
Until the light is gone…

From the first cry of birth
To the last sigh of death,
This precious life
Sings a duet of joy and sorrow,
The song of the living,
Sung to the music from beyond,
Sung to the rhythm of the heavens,
And the beat of your heart.

Let this day be for song.
Let this day be for joy and laughter.
Let this day be for blessing.
Let us bind our days with holiness and love.”

Alden Solovy
Copyright: 2021 CCAR Press
from This Precious Life: Encountering the Divine with Poetry and Prayer


At this time when the fragility of life is on 24/7, full-time, unrelenting display, this message of hope feels particularly meaningful.   May your days be full of “song”, “joy and laughter” and may you all “bind your days with holiness and love”.

Shabbat Shalom, 
Marci