It has been another week of pain and challenging emotions for all of us and it is impacting us all in a very deep way.
Yet, at the same time, Jewish life must go on, children must carry on learning, teens must carry on celebrating their Judaism, and adults must carry on getting together to study, talk, pray and so much more, all while we do all we can to help our brethren during this difficult hour.
It is these moments, which may be short at times, which will give us back our inner space and inner peace, and help provide us with the clarity and strength we need to navigate these difficult days and weeks.
Antisemitism has started rearing its ugly head once again, and the silence by some is deafening, yet at the same time, we are seeing the good side of so many amazing and courageous people, who are speaking up and standing at our side.
In the story of the floodwaters which we read this week, Noah, is not overwhelmed and consumed by the flood, but instead learns to ride the waves, and go higher, and eventually rebuild the world and society, even though a tragedy of such epic proportions just happened in front of him.
The ark, or Teiva in Hebrew is also a metaphor, for the words of prayer, study and connection with one another, which allow us to strengthen our inner core, and rise above the floodwaters of worry and stress that are overwhelming us, even when they seem likely to overwhelm us.
As difficult as things are, we can make a difference simply by doing a few extra mindful meaningful things each day, some charity, some study, some prayer, some positivity, some kindness to a stranger or by reaching across the aisle.
It was heartwarming to see Jewish life continuing this week at Sunday School at the Torah Study Classes, at teen events and at the Daily Minyan.
Let us be strong and rise above the pain and keep our eyes on our goal of LeTaken Olam BeMalchut Sha-dai, to repair and improve the world to be a reflection of what G-d wants.
With a determined attitude, with a dose of positivity and joy, with unity with one another, and through drawing on the teachings of our tradition and ancestors, we will continue to move forward and create a world that reflects true kindness, respect and empathy.
Am Yisrael Chai!
Shabbat Shalom
Yisroel