At last week’s Sisterhood Rosh Chodesh program which I led, I asked the attendees to share up to three things that uplift them and bring them light in dark times. The most popular responses from the group were family, community (specifically our wonderful CBI community) and music! With the horrific violent, antisemitic, hate-filled attacks of this week, leaving us feeling so distraught and shattered for the families of those murdered, for the many who were injured and for all who are impacted, I’ve been thinking about how our Jewish ancestors have dealt with the many dark times that our People have experienced through the centuries. From Biblical figures like Abraham, Moses, King David, the prophetess Deborah, Jonah, and Queen Esther; to the Baal Shem-Tov, Elie Wiesel, Golda Meir, Natan Sharansky, and so many others, in times of crisis, fear and despair, whether responding to personal hardships or national crisis, they turned to prayer for strength, comfort, courage and hope.
In very recent times, numerous released Israeli hostages have shared powerful stories of how reciting Jewish prayers during their captivity helped them find strength and hope amidst horrific conditions, providing an anchor in the darkness. Released hostage Matan Zangauker reported finding a worn copy of the Book of Psalms in the tunnels and he prayed three times a day. Sapir Cohen, who was held for 55 days, was not religious beforehand, but she recited Psalm 27 every day. Keith Siegel, an American-Israeli hostage held for 484 days, said he had been an atheist, but during his captivity he began saying the Shema and blessings over food to connect with God. Eli Sharabi had also not been a religious Jew, but he recited the Shema every morning of his 491 days in captivity. Eli has said, “Faith is what kept us alive.”
This Shabbat (and every Shabbat!) we’ll have beautiful, participatory, joyful and uplifting services – even with three Sifrei Torah this Saturday (for Shabbat Chanukah, Rosh Chodesh Tevet, and reading the regular weekly Parasha) and with special Chanukah melodies for the occasion! Come join us!
In coming together as a sacred community, we can uplift and strengthen one another in these dark times. Let us be inspired by the words of Eli Sharabi, “With the power of faith and unity, we can overcome everything.”
Cantor Lorna Wallach
