Friday Dispatch: I Don't Have It In Me
Turning to prayer when the well is dry
Friday greetings,
The truth is I’m not sure I have much of a Dispatch in me this week.
This damn headache has lingered since Monday, zapping me of energy, dulling my senses.
My brain hurts. Maybe that’s what this lingering headache is really about.
My heart hurts. Maybe that’s what is zapping my energy.
Reading the social media posts, the commentary, the analyses, the narrative gymnastics, and, yes, the silence, too… all of it is too much. Maybe that’s what’s dulling my senses.
Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim should have been getting engaged next week. Instead, they are dead. Murdered in cold blood. In the name of “Free Palestine.”
Maybe that’s why I don’t have much of a Dispatch in me this week.
“The event they were attending Wednesday was hosted by the American Jewish Committee for young professionals and was organized to discuss how multi-faith organizations can work together to bring humanitarian aid to war-torn regions like Gaza.” [CNN]
I sit here with my coffee and turn, as I often do when the well is dry, to prayer.
May the world wake up and join together in condemning violence of every kind—including hatred targeting Jews and Israelis.
May we work to protect all children, that they may grow up to become beautiful, thriving young adults, like Sarah and Yaron who were dedicating their lives to coexistence, compassion, and mutual understanding.
May their memories be a blessing. May their families be comforted among the mourners of Zion.
Be well, sweet readers. Keep being part of making peace. It’s a group project, with no end in sight, and it happens in a constellation of glimmers and moments and choices, every single day.
Am Yisrael Chai.
Shabbat Shalom and love,
Jena
Rabbi Jeff Salkin, Wisdom With Walls: “You and I want a better Israel. We are up against people who want no Israel.” :: Read
Ruth Zakarin, Executive Director of Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence: “The targeting of people outside an event at a Jewish institution is profoundly scary, and deeply antisemitic. And it just adds more harm to a world struggling under the weight of so much trauma. Nothing is gained, nothing is fixed.” :: Read
Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, Director of Realign for Palestine: “Violence begets violence; antisemitism is evil and must be rejected; sloganeering and divisive rhetoric can and do have deadly consequences; incitement and promotion of political violence only end in chaos, pain, tragedy, and loss for all.” :: Read
COME SAY HELLO ON SUNDAY in WEST HARTFORD, CT
On Sunday, May 25, M.J. and I will be camped out at the Blue Back Square Barnes & Noble in West Hartford, CT. If you’re within striking distance, come say hello!
Couldn't respond when I first read this. Also felt too heavy and just TOO MUCH! Hope your Shabbat did bring you some peace!
My heart hurts. My brain is heavy with worry for all Jews and for Israel and for my own kids. Sending you love, dear fellow Schwartz.