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