A thought for this shabbat
We are living in challenging times. For most of us, whether we have family and friends in Israel whom we know well, or whether we are part of the extended family of the Jewish people and their precious allies, this war has brought up a complex mix of unspeakable pride and fear. My sister, Abbie, who lives in Jerusalem, shared this poem written by her neighbor, the poet and writer Sarah Sassoon.
Shabbat shalom.
– Archie
Shabbat today in Jerusalem began with planes overhead,
and then-while walking the dog in the fresh winter air—the first siren.
Neighbors on the way to the communal shelter asked if I’m okay
as I ran home with the dog, out of breath, to my boys.
We huddle in the basement room we pretend is a shelter.
The dog shaking and whimpering.
I feel bad for the dog
who doesn’t understand
what we are fighting for.
I am counting all I love.
Later I drive my son to his shuttle. So many parents
dropping off sons and daughters.
A group of soldiers stand to the side praying
the afternoon service.
Later I meet a young mother of five
whose husband left as a reservist in the morning.
They are fighting for what they love.
What if this is a war of love.
Against an enemy whose countdown clock to Israel’s
destruction ticks in Palestine Square in Tehran.
I blessed her and felt that the streets of Jerusalem hold a quiet softness.
It does not feel like terror, or hate, or war.
It feels like love.
The moon shines so bright, three-quarters full,
on these silent streets tonight.
I am thinking of all the loved ones who are not together.
How many lives are disrupted and ruined by war.
We are fighting for homes and families to be safe and free
from fear and persecution-not only in Israel,
but in Iran and across the Middle East.
The New Middle East is something we need to envision home by home.
Built by love in each of our hearts.
Then homes.
Then communities.
Like I feel right here on my Jerusalem street tonight.
-Sarah Sassoon
Speaking of Passover,
The JewBelong Passover Haggadah!
JewBelong has a pretty fantastic free Passover Haggadah that walks you through the entire Seder: blessings, prayers, songs, and all, in plain English (with Hebrew and transliteration too). It’s warm, it’s funny, and it won’t make you feel like you’re back in a classroom. Download it for free, and feel free to print as many copies as you need for your table. Or, take the plunge and buy it from Amazon (we sell it AT COST).
Because everyone deserves a Seder where they feel like they belong.
