Blog

Like many, I was experiencing a rather challenging competition for my attention this past weekend. Going into Martin Luther King weekend, I was reflecting upon the legacy of the civil rights movement, the legacy bequeathed to us today. The work continues to build a society that is more just, more equitable, and where are all celebrated for the beauty and complexity of our narratives, our histories, our cultures, and our beliefs. The message he preached in our own community should inspire us to acts of service, for utilitarian efforts to, paraphrasing Horace Mann, be ashamed to die until we have won some victory for humanity.

I was also privileged to take 20 of our high school juniors on a trip of bonding and discovery to Los Angeles. This long-planned (and oft-pivoted) trip reflected a sincere belief that it is possible to travel safely, with ample precaution, during these days of omicron, and that the mental health and identity building of our young people was and is an important value. These high school students were able to bond, to deepen friendships, to meet each other for the first time in person (really!), and to just be teenagers in the healthiest and most affirming way. They were also able to explore Los Angeles Judaism, explore issues like homelessness and gender identity, and food insecurity. And they got to immerse themselves in the attractions that make Los Angeles a huge tourist destination, including a visit to the Fox Tower (Nakatomi Plaza from the movie Die Hard).

Yet as the news of the hostage crisis in Texas reached our news feeds and social media our conversations shifted from legacy and fun and identity to worry. Our hearts were heavy as we awaited what we hoped for and what ultimately occurred: a peaceful resolution for the hostages. But those 11 hours while the situation continued to unfold was confirmation that our worst fears can manifest and challenged us to stay hopeful even while thoughts of a worst-case scenario crept into our imaginations.

These situations, as vastly different as they are, share one important idea: hope. We HOPED that the situation in Texas would resolve without the loss of innocent lives...and our hopes became our reality. These teens had for months HOPED that they would be able to make this trip, despite the many reasons to cancel… and their hopes became their reality. We HOPED to live up to Dr. King’s legacy…and so many of us have dedicated ourselves to doing something good for others this last weekend and during this week, turning those hopes into reality and bringing the hopes of Dr. King just a bit closer to becoming reality for us all.

Hope is a powerful thing. And when the world seems so chaotic, so out of control, it is easy to lose that hope. It is precisely during those moments, though, that our hopes can provide a rather powerful and compelling counter-narrative, can redirect our intentions – and our actions, and can give us focus to navigate the challenges to the best of our abilities.

When all we have is hope…we have a great deal indeed. Thankfully, we have so much more than hope, including being a part of an incredible community to support each other during trying times. In light of the events from this past Saturday, we do hope that you will consider coming to services this week and joining in solidarity and support with Jews all over the country.

Wishing all a Shabbat filled with much more than just hope and Shalom,

Brad