Beyond the Bema

This week we, as a Jewish community, are facing the remembrance of the First and Second Temples that fell in our homeland.  There are so many drashes on this subject, but my Rabbi left me with something to think about Friday night. He, in a nutshell, challenged the congregation to move forward with simplicity. And when you hear that, it sort of doesn’t make sense. Why would I approach such a big atrocity with simplicity? Why would I approach the war with Hamas with…simplicity? But I got to thinking more about it on my 40 minute drive home, and it just sort of clicked. Don’t let this wear you down and leave you defeated. Now more than ever, since WWII, we need to band together as a Jewish population. No matter what denomination, born Jew or converted Jew, male/female/non binary, straight or a part of the LGBTQ community- coming together as one and standing up to hate is what we need. They say we are stronger together, it’s time to prove that. We need prayer, we need more worship, and we need community. So go to your selected synagogue, participate with your fellow Jewish family, and don’t look back. We can do this. Together. 

I also want to point out how this might fit personally as well. We hear of the story being told of the temples falling. Well what about your story? When something hard happens in your life, how do you want to be remembered? My advice would be to lean on your Jewish faith and find answers in Torah, the Talmud, and prayer. And you know, your Rabbi is usually pretty good at hitting the nail on the head with their drashes, too. 

In all of this, take a deep breath, put one foot in front of the other, and then lead with simplicity.