Recently, I was speaking with a friend on the telephone. This friend also happens to be a Temple Emanu-El congregant. When she asked me how I was doing, I told her the truth, “some days are better than others, and some weeks are better than others.” She was surprised at what I said. “Really?” I assured her that this was true. It happens that this week I am doing ok, but there have been other weeks where the time has been rough.
I don’t think for a moment that I am unique in this. I know that I am not. My family and I have been (and continue to be) in as strict quarantine as we can manage, for all the right reasons. And that can take its toll. Most of the ‘lows’ that I experience come from missed opportunities and events that time will not give back. All of us are experiencing this in one way or another: Graduations that are absent of anticipated celebration, life-changing trips canceled, simchas delayed, hugging our grandkids, parents, or grandparents, spending time with friends…
The fact that others have it worse than we do (without question) does not detract from the very real ‘loss’ that this type of time brings to us.
In my 20’s, when I first began to delve deeply into Judaism, I was always both attracted to, and slightly skeptical of, the prophets (Jeremiah, Isaiah, Amos,…) from our Tanach. They were living through, and preaching in, some of the worst circumstances that the Jewish people have ever experienced. They preached in the aftermath of war and exile, amid hunger and confusion. Their congregants were experiencing a world that was upside down. At times, in their addresses, those prophets were harsh. Their theology aside, they were blunt about people accepting accountability for their choices, and the consequences that resulted from them. That is hard to say, and harder even to hear.
But what I love about our prophets, was that at the end of their ‘tough love’, they always ended with messages of hope. No, more than that…promises of hope.
Things were bad, and that was a fact. But they promised that things would get better.
I am, in my heart, an optimist. I always have been. The fact that I am sometimes right only makes me more so.
I am getting through the weeks and days, mostly, by striving towards health and happiness, meaningful connection, and active plans for the near future. The fact that we are working towards a hopeful Autumn at Temple Emanu-El by tweaking our methods but not our aspirations is the very best promise of hope that I can actively bring to my own life, and likely to you reading this message.
Our prayers for a safe and measured return to normal are the beginning.
Shabbat shalom to you and your family,
Rabbi Spike

Dave Kirschner says
Rabbi Spike……your words are so wonderful, especially meaningful during this time of the virus crisis. You have really focused on problems that many are currently having. We enjoyed reading this. Be well !
Dave and Elaine Kirschner
Harriet says
I appreciate your message, Rabbi. I think we’re all in this together.
Dianne Jaslow says
Spike,
It was good speaking with you yesterday even if we kept getting interrupted.
We all need to stay connected either by zoom, telephone text, or computer during
this new normal.
Yes this is a terrible and difficult time missing our family, friends, and activities, but
staying safe and healthy is definitely the main goal. We will continue to hope for good
health, an end to this horrible virus, and a return to our normal life without fear.
Also hope you can read this…..no idea why this is so light.
Dianne.
Hannah Patel says
It’s always nice to know we’re not alone in our struggles. This time in our lives is very trying and everyone has a story of how it is affecting them. I’m grateful for the health and happiness of my family and friends and do pray for life to return to a “normal” way we’re we can all be together again. Thank you for sharing that you also are struggling some days. It’s nice to know that we are allowed to be exasperated by this sometimes. And I know that one day, it will end and #everythingwillbeokay
Rich Lapin says
Let us be strong. Let us be strong. Let us strengthen one another… Keep on keeping on, Rabbi Spike!
Joie Greenstein says
That just made my day.
Robyn says
It is a time of epic greatness in small moments. I won’t take credit for the quote it is from a podcast unlocking us Brene Brown and her interview with Jay and Mark Duplass
But I think if it alot. I look for the greatness in smallness of the day.
Sandy says
Your thoughtful and honest words are comforting. Thank you, Rabbi.