Hope

How are you? Are you doing well? I hope you are. Are you fueled by a desire to change this world? I hope so. Are you exhausted? I understand. Are you questioning and confused? I get it. The anti-Semitism we hear each day is nothing compared to what is really going on. We know it is everywhere. We know it isn’t going to go away today or tomorrow. It is hard to wake up each day and see so many cheering for the ones who have caused all the pain. I know every day we are filled with many emotions. Some days are so hard and some days are easier. I know the road ahead looks bumpy. I wish we could shake this world and wake it up. Life, unfortunately, does not work that way. 

Conversations we did not think we needed to have with kids, we are now having. Young minds on college campuses that should be open to learning are being brainwashed. Images we did not want our grandparents to ever see, they are now seeing. It is all too much and our mental health is at stake. 

When it seems like there is nothing we can do, step back, sit down, and think about who you are. 

Is your Mezuzah strongly attached to your door? 

Do you gently touch it as you walk into and out of your home or the homes of others?

Do you welcome the Sabbath?

Do you light the candles?

Does that beautiful tradition take your breath away every week?

Do you welcome those who have never sat at a Shabbat table?

Are you showing others you are approachable with the hope that maybe they will ask questions?

And if they do ask, are you able to sit and maybe open the mind of another?

Do you find yourself thinking more now than ever about stories or recipes, or items passed down from our grandparents?

Do you have moments when your house smells like whatever holiday you are getting ready to celebrate?

Do you feel this need to go to Israel if you have never been or go back again and again if you have?

Is your head held high? 

Are you proud? 

Without even knowing it, we are doing something everyday. And never forget what is built into us. Hope. Hope is our today, our tomorrows, and our future. Hope has gotten us through centuries of adversity and it will continue to get us through more. It is our guiding light. 

Be strong. Be beautiful. Be you. 

Am Yisrael Chai