Don't Panic

We all live with memories; rooting us in our past and influencing us in the present and towards the future. May most of our memories be loving and uplifting. Recognizing that we all own memories of sadness and loss, I hope that we give life to our memories by associating them with dates of remembrance.

We commemorate our memories in different ways. Anniversaries of love are celebrated with parties, special foods and special gatherings. Anniversaries of loss may be observed by gathering with loved ones, offering prayers and shedding tears.

It has been seven days since four Marines and one sailor were murdered by a cruel and wicked man. A week is reminiscent of Shiva. As members of Ahavas Chesed we must respond.

 We will have a brief memorial service incorporated within our Tisha b’Av service on Saturday, July 25 from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. We shall begin with a very brief Havdalah ceremony and then, as a community, fulfill our tradition of collective morning. In observance of Tisha b'Av we shall not have any refreshments. We shall remember that which takes hold of us in the pit of our stomachs preventing us from eating. Tisha b'Av is a fast which takes us back to the loss of Jewish national independence and the destruction of two Jewish governments. Tisha b’Av is observed by millions of Jews throughout the world and concludes Sunday evening (July 26) when it is dark enough to see 3 stars in the sky.

          And now a word of Torah from Parshat Devarim (Deuteronomy)

associated  with the day after tomorrow-

Moses begins his first farewell address to the Israelites. He reminds them of the wilderness trek which has spanned a generation, including good and bad times. A phrase calls out to me today even 3,300 years after he first said these words.  “Don’t be afraid!”

The task for us is to not fear. As Americans who are vulnerable to attack and hate we must walk together into our future without fear! By walking together we take our first steps in overcoming the challenges which are before us.

I look forward to seeing you Saturday evening.

        Shabbat Shalom. RSS