Shabbat Lech-Lecha

Rabbi Yael Werber on our collective grief and the strength of petitioning for healing together.

“What an incredibly challenging time to be Jewish in the world. I find myself both unable to tear myself away from looking at… the war and unrest in Israel and Gaza, and also desperately hoping that something will tear me away from thinking constantly about the Israeli hostages not returned to their families, the humanitarian crisis currently ongoing and Gaza, families in both places living in fear and dread.”

Rabbi Werber held up the story of Sarah, Hagar, and Avraham, and a midrash on the power of having someone witness your grief and join you in compassion.

“If you’re struggling, know that I am struggling, too. If you are in pain, know that I am in deep pain with you. […] . I’ve come to realize that I will not be able to perfectly capture what any one person’s grief exactly feels like. All I can do is acknowledge that all of us are carrying an enormity, enormity of grief.”

Rabbi Yael Werber delivered this drashah at Kabbalat Shabbat services on Friday, October 27 / 13 Cheshvan 5784.

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