Where do we go from here? That is the question I am receiving each day. First and foremost, always hope. Then, find an organization that supports Israel and donate. If you are non-Jewish, reach out to your Jewish friends to connect and find ways to offer support. Our very fiber of humanity is kindness in connection.
How do we, as Jewish Americans, move forward? I must lament the criticality of never stopping sharing the war, remaining aware of the tragedies, and, while rigorous, never stopping living your daily life. The enemy thrives when we freeze, but we cannot permit the monsters of their ecstasy. Celebrate Judaism triumphantly each moment and embrace our Judaic joy during the war. This is our survival power.
And while we hold firm, lest the war plummets at our hearts. A turbulence of feeling helpless given the distance. An emotion I understand as my heart weeps for each child and adult murdered ever so barbarically. My brain can only muster so much, yet I remind myself I cannot ignore it; I need to continue the fight for Israel, to fight for my people, and to find ways to fight for the innocent lives intercepted by war.
This is a time I urge all people to unite. Place anger with peace, sadness with hope, and find ways to heal the human soul. So much has been fractured. I, too, mourn the moments happening in the East while conjuring ways to procure hope and light amidst the darkness.
Be strong and let your heart take courage. Hope in Adonai. (Psalm 27:14)
Rabbi Merle E. Singer | Words with Merle 