Dear JCOGS family,
In spite of the daily connections with others over Zoom, the purpose-driven and sense of fulfillment in the work I am doing with you all and the greater community, the meditation and prayer in my life, my family time, and all that brings me meaning — there are still many moments these days of seeming chaos and lack of meaning or clarity.
I so often find myself coming back to the words of our daily prayers:
מָה אֲנַחְנוּ, מֶה חַיֵּינוּ, מֶה חַסְדֵּנוּ, מַה צִדְקוֹתֵינוּ, מַה יְשׁוּעָתֵנוּ, מַה כֹּחֵנוּ, מַה גְבוּרָתֵנוּ
Who are we? What are our lives? Our kindnesses? Our righteousness? Our redemptive work? Our strength? Our power?
Sometimes we are meant to throw up our hands and say: what’s it all for?
It is actually from the toppling-over-seat-of-uncertainty and humility that joy and humour arise in their purest form.
Someone asked me: “Why are we all wearing fancy or funny hats this Shabbat?” To that, I say: “Why not?!” In our moments of greatest vulnerability, through crying and laughter, we express our own capacity to be human.
So TONIGHT at 6pm, please bring a hat, invite a friend, grab a drink and curl up on your couch (or at your dining room table for dinner), tune in HERE, and join us for services. G-d knows, we need to laugh together.
Tihiyu bri’im, be safe, stay well, and have some fun.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi David
