Where Do We Start?
01/17/2025 02:43:42 PM
Rabbi Max Miller
We live in a time of disorienting unpredictability. For the last ten days, we’ve been living on a deep inhale, holding our breath for what may be the return of some of those held captive in Gaza. To stretch the metaphor further, we’ve lived on very little oxygen for the last 470 days. As I write these words on Friday, January 17th at 2:00 pm, we’ve been pulled back and forth, holding onto hope that we’ll see the return of the hostages. I pray that we will exhale with relief as our captives are returned to their homes. If not, we’ll continue to pray, to work together, and remain united for the sake of those still in captivity.
With all that is happening in our world, I want to offer a prayer for the coming week, month, and year ahead. This prayer was crafted by Rabbi Dalia Marks in 2023, but it is based on a text over 1,500 years old.
May we be like a tree planted beside streams of water.
May we yield our fruit in season, may our foliage never fade, and may whatever we produce thrive.
May we have mercy on everything planted, growing, and seeking life;
May this mercy expand and extend to the four corners of the earth;
May we recognize the pain and fear of ever living being on earth, multiplying good and being a blessing;
May we recall at all times how pleasant and praiseworthy is all that God created;
May we know that if we spoil and destroy, God forbid, there is no one to set things right after us.
My teacher, Dr. Zohara Pardes-Feinstein included an addendum for this week:
May all our captives return, as the prophet Isaiah said, “Let God’s ransomed return and come shouting to Zion crowned with joy everlasting. Let them attain praise and gladness while sorrow and sighing flee.”
May we know only good news in the week ahead, shouting joyfully as our captives return. May we feel the love of community and the embrace of friendship. And may we, as a nation, find God’s greatest gift of all, the gift of peace.
L’shalom,
Rabbi Max