Scared, or Sacred?

This past week has been heartbreaking and terrifying, and the Geretz-Kotzker family is looking forward to Shabbat if only for the ability to disconnect from the overwhelming dimensions of the crisis that now confronts our world.

At this time, it is easy, and tempting, to focus on the news, and our anger at people all over who seem to be acting out of self-interest and greed.  Numerous examples abound and I will not trouble you with them here.

I suggest we look at this weeks parasha as an example of working to overcome our fear and anxiety over this crisis. In Exodus 35, we read about the Israelites’ tremendous outpouring of genuine and unstinting support for the construction of the portable sanctuary. This outpouring was so overwhelming that our tradition teaches us that the tribal princes, who had held back their donations, reasoning that they would make up any shortfall, were alarmed that there might not be a shortfall and they might not be called upon to contribute at all.

The Israelites’ motivations to support the building of the portable sanctuary came from a place of selflessness and love.  It is exactly this sort of selflessness and love that is necessary to transform an edifice into a sacred space. And it is this same sort of selflessness and love, rather than selfishness and greed, that will help us to cope with this crisis, and help us to remain together as a sacred community.

Fred (“Mister”) Rogers often spoke about coping with tragedy. “My mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’ To this day, especially in times of disaster, I remember my mother’s words, and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers — so many caring people in this world.”

This Shabbat, and beyond, I encourage you take these lessons to heart. Rather than being selfish, or focusing on the selfish acts of others, be kind to yourself and others.  Focus on all of the wonderful people in our community and beyond who are stepping up to the plate, and acting out of kindness, despite their own feelings of anxiety and terror.  Acknowledge them and encourage them.

May it be God’s will that by acting out of selflessness, kindness, and love, God will treat all of us with kindness and help us to build a sacred community and begin to heal from this devastating crisis.

Shabbat Shalom