Blog

Last week was just a tough week.  I knew it was always possible, if not inevitable.  I sat for two different media interviews, and the questions that I have become accustomed to answering were asked.  “How is your congregation doing?” “What is it like to go through this?” I tried to answer them politely. I hope that I succeeded. I also attended a reception, and well-meaning and caring people asked the same questions. I have frequently remarked that my life in some ways is the movie “Groundhog Day”. As much as I might want to escape the repetition, the reminders are all around, and there is no escape. But yet there is if you know how and where to look.  The key is to engage in things that you like to do, even if it gives a brief respite, for with that gift of time comes the recharging of the batteries. This is something worthwhile that all of us must consider, as the intensity slowly builds during jury selection. 

While every reminder is not helpful to me, I must balance that with the gift of love, comfort and care from the giver. I continue to receive words of support from well-wishers across the globe, and their reaching out means a great deal to me.  Perhaps it might to you as well.  Here are some:

Hi Jeffrey. Just letting you know I am thinking of you and your community. These will be tough days but you and your community are not alone.

I understand that you’re about to take down the mezuzah. Sending strength and love to you and the community.

Thinking of you and sending prayers of strength and lots of hugs.

I pray for you and your community for healing and justice during the trial.

Checking in with you.

Wishing you and the congregations peace during what will be a challenging several weeks ahead.

I just saw the NYT article about the trial. I am sending you strength and light from us.

Thinking about you all today. May Psalm 27 provide you with strength and  encouragement today my friend.

I also have a few cards to share with you as well, one that was for me, and two for the entire congregation.  You can read them below.

At a time when it is easy to wonder if I have the strength to persevere, I return once again to my daily Psalm, 121, for hope: I lift up my eyes to the hills; from whence shall my help come? My help comes from God, Maker of the heavens and earth.

We are embraced by the loving hugs of all the good people on this planet. The gentle arms that hold us up are God’s. We will make it. We are resilient.  We are the Tree of Life.