I need Shabbat this week because all I have heard is people talking over and through each other.

I need Shabbat this week because all I have seen are images of children separated from their parents.

I need Shabbat this week because all the values about family and human dignity I thought were foundational to our American way of life are being challenged.

I need Shabbat this week because all I can think about is another death of a young unarmed black man in our neighborhood.

I need Shabbat this week because all of us need to take a deep breath, join together in loving kindness and civic responsibility to bring some light into a darkened world.

No matter your weekend traditions, might I encourage you to pause with the people you care about and read the words of Antwon Rose, whose life ended this week in East Pittsburgh.

I am Not What You Think!

Antwon Rose

5/16/2016

I am confused and afraid

I wonder what path I will take

I hear that there’s only two ways out

I see mothers bury their sons

I want my mom to never feel that pain

I am confused and afraid

 

I pretend all is fine

I feel like I’m suffocating

I touch nothing so I think all is fine

I worry that it isn’t though

I cry no more

I am confused and afraid

 

I understand people believe I am just a statistic

I say to them I’m different

I dream of life getting easier

I try my best to make my dream true

I hope that it does

I am confused and afraid