There Are No Words

Late Saturday night, here in California, my wife Judy and I were stunned into silence upon hearing the breaking news of the brutal murders of Hersh, Eden, Carmel, Alex, Ori, and Almog (z”l). I was immediately transported back to our Passover Seder, where we had dedicated a place setting and an empty chair for Hersh, prominently positioned at the head of the table, with his photo affixed to the chair. Watching Hersh’s funeral and hearing the heartfelt words of his parents and sisters inspired me to write this Kinah:

קִינָה—A Lamentation

There are no words.

No words to describe the feelings of emptiness, anger, sadness.

No words to explain the evil.

No words to console the families of Hersh, Eden, Carmel, Alex, Ori, and Almog.

There are no words.

No words to account for 332 days—men, women, and children held in darkness.

No words to absolve the leaders of Israel for allowing October 7 to become a day of unspeakable tragedy.

No words to grasp the shock, dismay, despair.

There are no words.

But there are actions.

Actions to stand in solidarity,

Actions to demand justice,

Actions to support the grieving.

Yes, there are actions.

Actions to help rebuild lives,

Actions to foster hope,

Actions to secure our future.

If we act as one unified community, we can find strength in our unity.

If we act as one united community, we will build a future of resilience.

If we act as one undivided community, we will uphold the values and spirit of those precious souls we have lost.

רִבּוֹנוֹ שֶׁל עוֹלָם, תֵּן לָנוּ כּוֹחַ וְאֹמֶץ לְהִתְמוֹדֵד עִם הַנִּסָּיוֹת שֶׁמִּתְעַרְבִּים בָּנוּ, וּבְעֵת הַמִּנְסָה נָקוּם בְּהִתְמָדָה בְּעֹז, בְּחֶסֶד בְּלִי גְּבוּל, וּבְנִחֲנוּת נִסִּי לְבַנּוֹת עָתִיד שֶׁל צֶדֶק וְשָׁלוֹם

Master of the Universe, grant us strength and courage to face the challenges that confront us, and in this time of trial may we rise with unwavering resolve, boundless compassion, and a steadfast commitment to forge a future of justice and peace.

אמן