Rabbi Linda's blog

My decision wasn’t final until the day before, for practical and for emotional reasons. If I go, might there be formal words spoken that aren’t my words, my truth? If I go, with all the hatred and guns in this country, will it be safe? If I go, how will I manage an already ridiculously busy week?

But how can I not go? The March is for Israel. The people of Israel are living through a hellish war. That includes my beloved family members with whom I am in ongoing contact. The March is to Free the Hostages. I’m praying nightly for the hostages, this is a march in their honor, standing for their safe release. I need to go stand with others for them. The March is against anti-semitism. Sadly, tragically, that is also quite relevant.

Just as my decision to go was made at the last minute, so was my decision to join the Peace Bloc which was made of many groups including the Reconstructionist movement, Americans for Peace Now, T’ruah ‐ the rabbinic human rights group, J Street, Partners for a Progressive Israel, Ameinu, Habonim Dror and many others. Messages included: “Defeat Terror; Protect Civilians; Pursue Peace” There were signs with pictures of the kidnapped hostages. There was pain and anger. There was hope. I was grateful to be with them. While I didn’t agree with every speech or choice of speaker at the rally there were many who I appreciated, who addressed my heart and concerns.

I thought about what a difference it would make if at every pro‐Israel rally and at every pro‐Palestinian demonstration people carried signs that called for an end to antisemitism and to islamophobia. I was glad that there were signs on Nov 14th that acknowledged Palestinian pain, that were clear that Hamas does not speak for all Palestinians, that called for both Israelis and Palestinians to be free from Hamas.

It has been so easy to drift into despair since October 7th. The grief that so many of us have been carrying is immense and it is hard to imagine a path forward to peace and safety for all. I believe that most of us might benefit from focusing on healthy soul soothing activities, that could include prayer, friendship, engaging with nature, the arts, Torah study and most especially the Jewish practice of engaging in chesed – acts of loving kindness. Savoring acts of chesed that we receive, that we bestow on others or witness is a good balm for the soul in hard times and in all times.

Where do I find hope? The solidarity at the march felt hopeful. On the way back I stopped at a rest stop along I95. It was packed with people who had been at the march. It was extraordinary to see such a huge, diverse swath of the Jewish community at a rest stop along 95. There were teenage girls dancing in the parking lot. This display of peoplehood was affirming and uplifting. Days later at BI, I led a service where we celebrated a baby naming. The next day I led our kids in Hebrew School and then met with our teens. The next generation gives me hope. I want to continue to practice and raise up the best of my Jewish Torah values, to give me strength and to pass along to those who will lead us all in the future.

This problem is bigger than all of us. But Chanukah is coming this month and that too gives me hope. Chanukah means dedication. So let’s join together to dedicate ourselves to shining our light on one another and outward to the world and to be uplifted as we live in accordance with our values. Let’s support one another, to bring goodness and chesed into the world. The world needs your goodness. Somehow that is hopeful.