Who Will We Be in This Time?

Dear Friends,

    It was Monday afternoon, the storm clouds were gathering but still I was unconvinced it would rain. We were kayaking on a lake in honor of my partner’s birthday, and even in the face of her knowledgeable insistence I was comfortable in my denial.

    Moments after she began paddling toward shelter the storm began to wail. Raising our eyes before we took off in earnest, we saw a rainbow in the northeastern sky.  
    The storm has passed there, she said, and now it is coming toward us. I took a photo (the one above) and then headed for the protection of the trees.

    A rainbow during this week of parshat Noach.
    A rainbow during this time of devastation and despair.
    A rainbow as the storm keeps heading toward us all.

I keep wondering:
         Who will I be in this time?
         Who will I be as the storms are raging?
         Who will I be in the face of so much horror, fear and pain?

Dr. Aviva Zorenberg explains that Noach learned
Alert, attentive, kindness in the ark.
Needing to take care of all the animals Noach grew curious.
He grew interested in the workings of creation,
And as his awareness, interest and curiosity grew,
Sensitivity, compassion
And a deep caring for others emerged.
And through this,
Life was renewed.

Who will we be in this time?
And what practices will help guide our way?

May we be beings who acknowledge the presence of the raging storms
And find the willingness and strength
To be loving, kind and generous with each other.
May we have the fortitude to reach out to each other
And make sure no one is left alone in despair.
May we have the courage to experience devastating sorrow and pain
And still rise.

And may there be moments when we lift our eyes
And are met by beauty and mystery that 
Is so astounding
We are propelled onward,
Dedicated to the possibilities of
Healing, love and shalom.

Much love to all
Rabbi Yael