A Moment in Time: Being Light when we Experience Darkness – A reflection on Tuesday’s Election

Dear all,

There are many in our community who are at a loss in the wake of Tuesday's election.  Whichever candidate you stood with, our country as a whole needs tremendous healing.  I want to offer a moment in time thought – one that can help us move forward when we feel darkness:

Hashkiveinu Adonai Eloheinu l'Shalom.
V'ha-amideinu, Malkeinu, l'chai-im

Allow us to lie down, oh God, for the sake of peace.
And allow us to face the new day with life.
We say this prayer every night to allow us to navigate through darkness. It is a reminder that in the face of uncertainty, we believe in peace and in life.
Whatever happens with the leadership of our country …

We still love the people we love, regardless of voices that may try to cast shadows.

We still lift up our voices on behalf of those who can't.

We still tuck our kids in at night – making sure they see the smiles on our faces.

We still teach the next generation the values we hold dear.

We still act as menches.

We become the lights during periods of darkness.”

With love and shalom,

Rabbi Zach Shapiro