There were so many ups and downs this past year – times when our kids lost it, other times when we lost it. There were times when we might have questioned if they were learning anything at all. Pressure and frustration mounted at times. And now, as we wind down the year, we can think about the learning that is enduring.
Baseless Love
With the commemoration of the destruction of the Temple that once stood in Jerusalem, the last two months of the year (Tammuz and Av) are recalled in Jewish history as a darker time, in which conflict, brokenness and baseless hatred ruled the day. In this other dimension, we have harder days to travel before arriving at the newness and light that the high holidays bring.
Living “Both/And” Lives
Living a “both… and” life is not always simple, but it reflects the truth about our lives. And that truth is complex.
Turning Toward, Not Away
Living in Jerusalem right now, I am deeply concerned about the brewing violence in our mixed Jewish-Arab cities, (which, as it turns out, comprises most of Israel’s urban life). I also know that turning toward each other is so much more important than turning away.
Keeping Faith Even When Afraid
While there is no limit to opinion pieces you will read in the coming days which express concern, outrage, and the deeply held political opinions on either side of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, I feel called to write about the role of parents during times of conflict, violence and duress
