Today's weather is pleasant. The skies are blue and the breezes are gentle. It is easy to enjoy Mobile's version of Fall and to forget that many millions of people are in the path of a potential Category 3 hurricane. It is easy to become wrapped up in our own lives and to forget the needs of others. Of all people, we who live along the Gulf Coast know how devastating a hurricane is. Of all people, we must attend to the needs and concerns of our fellows who are battening down and evacuating.
We just concluded two days of communal Rosh Hashanah prayer, celebrating life, health and awareness of being part of our world. In the hours ahead, please offer this prayer for the many people in the path of Hurricane Matthew.
God of all life, place shalom and strength upon all of your children dwelling in many vulnerable lands. Preserve them all from worry and hazard. Keep them safe from harm. Ensure that the many who may be in harm's way are safeguarded from all danger and threat. Grant courage to all. Protect your valiant First Responders who place themselves in hazardous situations in order to support and tend your children.
Let there be safety and shalom.
In this week's Parhsah, Vayelech, Moses recognizes that his time to lead the people is coming to an end. Even though Torah describes him as physically strong, he feels his energy slowly diminishing. He turns his focus to the People of Israel and to Joshua,offering them his prayers for "courage and strength." Even in his final hours Moses recognizes his responsibility to others. How much more shall we, who are blessed with a New Year, think of others and keep their concerns in our hearts.
Shabbat Shalom.
Rabbi Steve Silberman
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