Community Reflections

Celebrating and Living During Challenging Times

Rabbi Nancy Rita Myers | Beth David

We’ve been through a lot. It’s been over two years of Covid 19 and all the subsequent variants such as Delta and Omicron. We’ve sheltered in place, put various masks on our faces, gotten vaccinated and then boosterized, and we’ve made adjustments to our work, school, and social lives. So many of us have dealt with fear and anxiety. We’ve been worried about our health and that of our loved ones. We have mourned the loss of events and social gatherings. We have agonized over sending our children to school and how to work and balance all the challenges that have come with the pandemic. And then, we also became even more worried about our security as we come to synagogue, Jewish community centers, and more.

It can feel as though there’s no end to the worry and insecurity at times but Judaism has lessons and insights for us all. These months, we will be celebrating Purim and Passover. These holidays emphasize resilience, faith, and a willingness to live and take charge of our destinies. Purim features the book of Esther where an evil advisor, Haman (lots of noise), wants to eradicate the Jews of Persia. Mordecai urges his cousin Esther to advocate for her people and reveal her secret Jewish identity. Through wisdom, Esther devises a way to speak to the king and in doing so, wins him over. The Jews are given the means to defend themselves, the evil villain is disposed of, and the Jews celebrate with merry making.

It can feel as though there’s no end to the worry or insecurity at times but Judaism has lessons and insights for us all.

The following month, Passover reminds us of the suffering of our people in Egypt and the rising up of an initially tentative leader, Moses. Overcoming his fear of speaking, Moses and his brother Aaron stand before Pharaoh and demand the release of the Israelites. After ten punishing plagues from God, our people risk everything to leave Egypt for the promise of a better future. And so, we have Passover seders and recall our exodus out of Egypt. Both Purim and Passover, showcase our people’s struggle to survive in adverse situations. Thankfully, today, we don’t live under a tyrannical government and there it is no orchestrated attempt to destroy us. Yes, we face growing anti-Semitism as hateful acts are increasing against many other marginalized groups. Yes, we are still facing health and life challenges from the ever changing Covid-19 virus. However, we are blessed to be able to live with a freedom our ancestors would’ve relished. We are much more secure and stable that the generations who lived in Egypt, Persia but also in Europe during the many times of our tumultuous history.

Here in the U.S., we have friend and allies. We are also able to vote, advocate, and influence policies. We are not helpless. We are ingenious, hardworking, caring, and committed people. And our tradition teaches that there is life not just in good times but also in hard ones as well. Our commandments continue to keep us grounded in Torah, God, and peoplehood. Our customs and traditions, remind us of the sacredness of time. And we know that there is meaning and purpose right here, right now.

So at this time, we need to celebrate with gusto, observe with intent, as we remember and recount our incredible history. What a blessing it is to be alive. How lucky are we to be Jews living in the U.S. and may we continue to embrace our amazing heritage, L’dor va’dor, from generation to generation.