Chat with us, powered by LiveChat

I Need Shabbat This Week

Posted by Rabbi Ron Symons on June 22, 2018

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

Related Posts

The Secret to a Sweet Passover: Matzo Brittle

I used to joke that I chose our synagogue because I liked the cookbook. There was some truth to that although as far as recipes go, the very best one ...
read more

"Borcas" -- Grandma Cele's Beet Preserves

Another Passover Recipe My husband's Grandma Cele often talked about making her Passover specialties for her sons - carrot candy and somethi...
read more

DEKA Strong at On Your Mark Fitness

...
read more

8 Nights of Light: A Chanukah Menorah Infographic

The menorah is perhaps one of the most widely recognized symbols of Jewish culture and is the centerpiece of the Chanukah celebration. But how much do...
read more