| Marking time this week certainly conjured up many a memory from one year ago. We narrowly celebrated Purim with an amazing spiel, said our goodbyes to a grandparent or spouse as their living facility went into lockdown and states declared a public health emergency as our country stopped in its tracks. Grocery store workers, first responders, health care workers, so many people who made it possible for many more to be safe. So many sacrifices and countless losses. Still, we uncovered joy as Italians sang operatic arias from their balconies while thousands of NYC residents thunderously applauded essential workers and health care professionals with the 7 PM cheer.
Like the Classical High School girls’ field hockey coach said the other night to the parents. "Thank you for keeping your kids safe so we could have the opportunity to get to the finals and win the championship." We’ve made it to the one-year mark. There is still work to be done and also so many reasons to celebrate and feel grateful for our blessings. I share with you the words of my talented colleague, Cantor Devorah Avery, who wrote this Mi Shebeirach for Endurance and Perseverance:
Mi Shebeirach Avoteinu v’Imoteinu, May the One who blessed our Ancestors, bless us during this time.
Bless us with the willingness to continue to protect ourselves and others.
We pray that those places in ourselves that are weary and grieving, be healed and transmuted.
Endow us with the ability to replenish our strength through acts of loving-kindness towards ourselves and others.
Bless us with the vigor to care for ourselves in order to create a well of renewing mental, emotional, and spiritual energy.
Grant us the patience and understanding needed to treat all beings with respect, decency, and tolerance - knowing that we are all going through the same extended period of strain and duress.
We pray today and always:
May we continue to find ways to bring joy into our lives
May we find ways to remain connected to our loved ones
May we be gentle and loving with ourselves
May we take ample time to prioritize self-care and self-reflection.
May we discover happiness in new ways
May we find the courage to create space for our feelings, so we may process them and heal
May we remember that our current situation is temporary
May we know that we are loved
May we know that we are not alone
B’shira (in song),
Judy Seplowin
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