Many of us woke up this morning to a pit in our stomach and at a loss for words. Almost 70 people joined us this morning in our minyan to sing, breathe and pray through the incredulity, fear and uncertainty of this moment and a sense of foreboding at what the years ahead may hold — you can listen here if you missed it, and we’ll be at it again tomorrow. Be gentle with yourself and your loved ones today. As Rabbi Lizzi said on Kol Nidre, we need to pace ourselves for the work ahead. As we’ve said many times, even when we want to throw in the towel, we know that despair is not a strategy. We, as a people, have survived tyrants and pharaohs, exile, persecution, and hardships of every kind. From crossing oceans to walking through deserts, our journey through history has been marked by perseverance and hope in the face of unimaginable challenges. We know that, over time, the arc of history bends toward justice, if we bend it.

In a world that can drive us to feel hopeless, like we’ve lost the capacity to find joy, access gratitude or even to talk across lines of difference, these are precisely the things that Mishkan is here to support us in doing. Rooted in our Jewish values, spiritual practices and an inclusive, verdant, just vision for the future, we were built for this. This community continues to be a space for prayer, song, learning, and spiritual connection for all of us, something we need now more than ever. There is power in our relationships, and we invite you to lean into them. Pray together at virtual minyan each weekday morning, and join us this Friday night’s Shabbat at Second Unitarian (and for tea and comfort food before hand). Serve those in need together with our Migrant Response Team (RSVP here). Join Rabbi Lizzi and Rabbi Dr. Rani Jaeger from Beit Tefilah next Monday night for a journey through poetry and music, and join R’Steven next Tuesday night to prepare for hard conversations with our loved ones. Reach out to meet with one of us; we’re always happy to listen, and if you’re a therapist and have some half hour or 45 minute slots you might be able to offer community members, let us know. Like our ancestors before us, we will get through this together.

In this spirit, we offer these words, beautifully arranged by our colleague Rabbi Yosef Goldman, as a blessing for the year ahead: “As I walk along this very narrow bridge, I will not be afraid, knowing You are with me.” 

May these words inspire us to walk with courage and faith, knowing that together, we are never alone.

Rabbi Lizzi and Rabbi Steven