Faith in the Midst of Darkness

 


Dear Friends,

As we are about to celebrate Shabbat Shuvah and then Yom Kippur I wanted to share with you an inspirational moment from a phone call today which rabbis around America had with President Biden.

As we all know he has had to deal with the loss of a child which must be among the most painful moments in life with which to deal.

In our conversation he shared that his wife, Jill, leaves him important messages on the mirror where he shaves.   The following quote from Soren Kierkegaard is perhaps the most inspiring message she has left him.  "Faith sees best in the dark."

As we wrestle with hurricanes and storms, covid, wars, violence, and all the ills of our world, it would be easy to give in to the darkness of our world.

There is a reference in our tradition that says one can curse the darkness or light a candle.

As we seek change in our lives, I hope that we can eliminate the "stinkin thinkin" that plagues many of us and not be consumed with the "breaking of the glass from a Jewish wedding" which reminds us of the darkness in our world.

Rather, may we find the faith to light a match to dispel the darkness and celebrate the joys in life.

I hope you will click on the link below and that all of us can join  in singing Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah.

Shabbat shalom and g'mar hatimah tovah, may we be sealed for a safe, healthy, fulfilling new year.

Rabbi Bruce Aft

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