Beloved Friends,
A little more than 8 weeks ago, I broke my shoulder in 5 places. Fortunately, I am right-handed, and I did not require surgery. Needless to say, this made the High Holy Days a bit more challenging. I am so deeply grateful for all of the care and concern that has flowed toward me from all of you. So many of you, upon seeing my arm in a sling, immediately asked me what happened. Every time I recounted the story and felt the compassion and empathy from you, my healing accelerated. Not just my physical healing but my emotional and spiritual healing, too.
This week we read in the Torah about our ancestor Abraham recovering from his surgery. At the beginning of the portion, Abraham is sitting at the entrance of his tent, sheltered from the heat of the day as he convalesced. God appears to Abraham but says nothing. Our sages of blessed memory point to this as a first example of the mitzvah, Bikkur Cholim, visiting the sick. The power of this mitzvah cannot be underestimated. Abraham was so empowered by God’s visit that he was able to get up and rush to greet three strangers and welcome them into his tent, feeding them and offering them shelter.
This is exactly as I have felt with each encounter, with each kind word, with each good wish for a speedy recovery. I have been energized and I am thrilled to say that I have graduated from Physical Therapy and have nearly fully recovered. You have, through your presence, helped me immeasurably. It is precisely at this time that we need to show up for one another.
The world has become darker and darker. On October 7th our world changed forever. We are all more anxious and afraid as the war in Gaza rages on and more lives are lost. The rise in antisemitism and the violent rhetoric and actions have made all of us feel less safe and less secure. Our pain can paralyze us. But we must not let ourselves succumb to what seems inevitable.
Instead, we must look to the example of Abraham, who looked beyond his own pain to look after and care for fellow human beings he did not know. His pain diminished as he treated strangers with kindness, compassion, and care. In this time of fear and uncertainty, let us respond with kindness to others. Let us look for ways to bring light into this dark world by serving others.
Here is just one opportunity: This Sunday we have another opportunity to feed the hungry as part of our ongoing Tikkun Olam efforts. Please click here to learn more about how you can participate.
Music helps heal pain, as well. It becomes more potent when we share music as a community. This weekend we welcome Jewish musician, Rachel Wolman, back to Jeremiah. She will help lead us in worship and study throughout the weekend. You can read more about her visit in this newsletter. Let us draw strength and support from one another this Shabbat so that we can better serve and heal this broken world. May Israel soon know a real peace and may love win.
Shabbat Shalom,