Celebrating Life in the Midst of Darkness

 


Dear Friends,

So many things happened last week that are worthy  of note.

We read the weekly  portion, Chaye Sarah, which means the life of Sarah.  In this portion  we learn about Sarah's death even  though we recall her life.  As commentators discuss this portion we realize  that the celebration of her life transcends her death. 

What makes having read this portion different this  year  than all other years?  

We are all well aware of the tension throughout the Middle East and around the world.  How can one celebrate life in the midst of the loss of  innocent life and with  the knowledge of hostages being held and the brutality of a terrorist group?  

As I  presided at a baby naming and a wedding this weekend, I was reminded of the breaking of the glass at a wedding to remember the destruction of the Temple and other tragedies in Jewish tradition.  I spoke about the need to remember that at joyful times we remember sadness but also we can't become consumed by the breaking of the glass and the sadness that surrounds us.  We need the joy of the wedding and the promise of new life to offer hope while the glass is breaking.  I hope that each of us can do this in some meaningful way.  Perhaps we can find joy in  helping those who are in need in our community so that we can counter the breaking of the glass in our world with acts of kindness and performing deeds that help repair our broken world (tikkun olam).

We read of Rebecca's kindness as Abraham's servants searched for a wife for Isaac.  In the midst of death, we can bring life when we engage in acts of lovingkindness (gemilut hasadim).

Last week as we commemorated the 85th anniversary of Kristellnacht , the night of broken glass  that many believe was the official beginning of the Holocaust, we were reminded of what happens when hatred is allowed to spread. (Please open the link below to learn more about this)  We are grateful  that on Nov. 11, Veterans Day, that  we were able to thank all those who have served and are serving so that freedom will prevail.  Sometimes it seems harder than others to believe that freedom will continue but through their service and our kind efforts to make a difference, perhaps we can keep freedom alive.

May we find the strength and courage to do what we can to bring blessing to our  world.

Shavua tov, have a good week.

Rabbi Bruce Aft

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