Good morning, Chaverim,
With Rosh Hashana arriving in just a few days, I was prompted to open the Machzor last night. I opened the book to page 2, a page entitled “Preparatory Prayers”, and was quite taken by what I found there.
So, I share with you today’s Gratitude Thought in the Middle of a Pandemic:
“This Rosh Hashana, each of us enters this sanctuary with a different need.
Some hearts are full of gratitude and joy:
they are overflowing with the happiness of love and the joy of life;
they are eager to confront the day to make the world more fair;
they have recovered from illness or have escaped misfortune.
And we rejoice with them.
Some hearts ache with sorrow:
disappointments weigh heavily upon them, and
they have tasted despair;
families have been broken;
loved ones lie in bed in pain;
death has taken those whom they have cherished.
May our presence and sympathy bring them comfort.
Some hearts are embittered:
they have sought answers in vain;
they have had their ideals mocked and betrayed;
life has lost its meaning and value.
May the knowledge that we too are searching
restore their hope that there is something to find.
Some spirits hunger:
they long for friendship;
they crave understanding;
they yearn for warmth.
May we in our common need gain strength from one another, sharing our joys, lightening each other’s burdens, and praying for the welfare of our community.”
Chaim Stern (adapted)
This has indeed been a year filled with joys and sorrows. There has been much for which to be grateful and much that has caused great disappointment, even despair….a rollercoaster of a year if there has ever been one! And, throughout this turbulent year, we have supported one another, we have shared our strength with those who were saddened or embittered by loss or disappointment, and we have recognized that we are indeed “all in this together.”
As we stand together on the threshold of this new year, may we continue to see “our common need”, “gain strength from one another”, “share our joys”, and “lighten each other’s burdens”; and may we be fully recognize and be grateful for one another and for the gift of having found this generous, supportive, and loving community.
Shabbat Shalom and Shana Tova to all,
Marci
