The events of the last two weeks have left many folks numb from shock. First there was the series of pipe bombs sent to people and institutions that have criticized the current administration. A white man gunned down two black shoppers at a Kroger store in Kentucky. A man killed two women at a yoga studio in Florida. Then there was the mass shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh that killed 11 mostly elderly people who had gathered for Shabbat services. The usual “thoughts and prayers” do not suffice. We need something deeper, that can nourish roots of compassion and sustain our own Trees of Life.
I believe in the Jewish concept of tikkun olam, to repair the world. You don’t have to believe in the Genesis story that the world was perfect before Adam and Eve ate the apple. You just have to look around. Our nation and our world are bruised and hurting. The list of items in need of repair is long, and can feel overwhelming. You do not need to be the sole savior. These are a few steps that anyone can take.
Step away from the computer and TV screens. This sounds hypocritical from a blogger, I know. Take the time that you’d usually be online to walk around your neighborhood. See what’s going on. Have new places opened, or old places gone away?
Talk face-to-face to real people, don’t just interact with others via email, texts, or Facebook. Do something radical and introduce yourself to the person mowing the lawn down the street. Chat with the woman in the grocery line with you.
Consider community. They can be ready-made, such as your workplace or congregation. If you don’t have one in place, create one by getting to know your neighbors. One of the most important things that happened when we moved to Seattle was participating in the Friday Night Follies with our neighbors. It’s enriched us with good food, conversation, and deep relationships. We’ve seen each other through successes, crises, and deaths in the families. The former “known teenagers” are now well into their 20’s and creating their own lives.
Join in a common goal. Maybe it’s fundraising for a youth soccer team, or working on a political campaign. Volunteer. Serve a cause larger than yourself beyond your own four walls. My favorite story in this vein is of a young girl who asked her friends to donate money to build wells in Africa rather than give her birthday presents. Sadly, this girl was killed before her birthday; however, her request went viral and raised far more money for the cause. How many children are benefiting from the gift of clean potable water as a result of this request?
It is not enough to send “thoughts and prayers”. We need to pick up our tools and get to work. Our efforts are sorely needed.
Recent Comments