Pausing for Shabbat

Dear Friends,

I continue to reel from the results of the election; exhausted from the sorrow, rage and horror I am feeling.

What follows is a note I wrote on Nov 11, 2016. I never thought I would have reason to return to it. But here we are and here it is.

It speaks from a voice I have not yet been able to reach this time around.

With much love,

Rabbi Yael


The river flowed softly this morning,
The light of the new day resting gracefully upon it.

I did my best to reach for gratitude.
The trees were shining orange and red,
Blue jays were calling,
People walking by paused to say hello.

And yet
Sadness, pain, anger and horror
Held me tight.

I gave thanks anyway,
Said my prayers,
And stood still until I could feel in my heart
Something I loved.

The gift of Shabbat is almost upon us.
As the sun goes down on Friday night let’s pause together,
Taking a break from listening to the news, reading commentaries,
Searching online for something that will help this all make sense.

We need to rest, heal and restore our souls.

We have a long road ahead of us.
And we will need all of our shared wisdom and strength.
Let’s listen to music,
Be with friends,
Walk in the woods,
And allow ourselves to be wherever we are.

The river sang this morning as it carried the fallen leaves.
And we too will sing
Carrying each other with hope and love.

Shabbat Shalom