Good afternoon, Chaverim/Chaverot,
It is clear that we are living in the midst of two plagues, Covid and gun violence, our uniquely American plague. I have no words, no gratitude to share today. So I hope instead that this prayer (which I happened upon in our Siddur this morning) will bring you some comfort and at least begin to “heal your brokenness…”
So, I was grateful last night when I stumbled upon quote that felt like a hand reaching out of the darkness to pull me/us back from the brink, back toward the light.
Here is today’s Gratitude Thought in the Midst of a Pandemic:
A Prayer for Our World
Rabbi Harold Kushner
“Let the rain come and wash away the ancient grudges, the bitter hatreds held and nurtured over generations.
Let the rain wash away the memory of the hurt, the neglect.
Then let the sun come out and fill the sky with rainbows.
Let the warmth of the sun heal us wherever we are broken.
Let it burn away the fog so that we can see each other clearly.
Let the warmth and brightness of the sun melt our selfishness.
So that we can share the joys and feel the sorrows of our neighbors.
And let the light of the sun be so strong that we will see all people as our neighbors.
Let the earth, nourished by rain, bring forth flowers to surround us with beauty.
And let the mountains teach our hearts to reach upward to heaven.
Amen.”
We have work to do, my friends. So much work…and we cannot, must not, let ourselves be overwhelmed and paralyzed. It’s raining…hard…May the sun soon follow to renew our spirits so we can get to work!
Love and Shabbat Shalom to all,
Marci
