As we mourn the loss of lives in Texas, barely ten days after the hateful violence in Buffalo our hearts are broken. Another shooting—senseless, awful, and sadly, no longer surprising, hope and consolation feel far from reach.
The Prophet Jeremiah lived at a time of great upheaval and destruction. While his prophecy is filled with doom and gloom—it also contains some of the most powerful visions of hope in the Tanach. In last week's haftarah portion, even as the Babylonians lay siege to the city of Jerusalem, Jeremiah buys a field for planting. It is a gesture that has come to embody hope and redemption in the face of bitterness and loss.
To be a purveyor of hope in the face of destruction is an act of dissent against despair. Jeremiah reminds us that our sorrow and rage do not preclude sowing for a brighter future.
Today we grieve, tomorrow we plant.
Shabbat Shalom,
Sarah
Services
Under the guidance of our medical advisory committee, we have moved to an optional masking policy for worship. We will continue to watch the numbers and, in accordance with the CDC, will update the policy as necessary. With unmasking, it will be even more important to monitor yourself and to stay home if you are experiencing any symptoms or have been a close contact.to anyone with a confirmed case. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
