Alyssa Alhadeff, age 14
Scott Beigel, 35
Martin Duque, 14
Nicholas Dworet, 17
Aaron Feis, 37
Jaime Guttenberg, 14
Chris Hixon, 49
Luke Hoyer, 15
Cara Loughran, 14
Gina Montalto, 14
Joaquin Oliver, 17
Alaina Petty, 14
Meadow Pollack, 18
Helena Ramsay, 17
Alex Schachter, 14
Carmen Schentrup, 16
Peter Wang, 15
When 17 souls departed the earth on this date last year in the halls of their high school, the city of Parkland and all of America went into a deep state of grief and mourning. One year later and those affected by the shooting are revisiting their anger, pain, disbelief, and grief. I believe that we were all affected. Many in our community send children to school every day. This five-day routine now includes a deep breath and a brief pause after the words, “I love you, have a good day” are uttered in drop-off lines and at bus stops.
When entire communities are touched by grief, suffering, and worry, Judaism offers us a tradition to lean on for support and comfort. Our Mi Shebeirach prayer for healing leads us toward an end to suffering of the mind, body, and spirit. This is one way in which we can use tradition to strengthen our spirit.
Tradition offers this prayer:
“May the Blessed Holy One be filled with compassion for their health to be restored and their strength to be revived. May God swiftly send them a complete renewal of body and spirit.”
We ask God for the strength to continue in a world of new realities. We ask God for strength to comfort our children when they share with us their fears. We ask God for strength to rise from our mourning and be advocates for building a safer and more beautiful world.
Esah einai el heharim meiayin yavo ezri.
I turn my eyes to the mountains; Where will my help come from? My help will come from God, Maker of heaven and earth (Psalm 121).
In our communal sadness let us turn to one another for blessings and strength. As our healing continues, let us offer the divine shelter of peace and support to one another.
Bivracha, With Blessing,
Rabbi Rachael
