As Fear Arises

In this weeks’ Torah portion, shelach lecha,

we witness the power of fear.

Twelve scouts were sent

to explore the land the people were journeying toward

and bring back a report.

Ten returned and inumbrated

the difficulties they saw,

the obstacles they faced.

They declared that going forward was impossible,

there was too much danger, too much risk.

The people wept with fear

and began imagining the horrors that would befall them.

Two of the scouts offered a different perspective.

Yes, we can do this, they said.

We have everything we need to go forward and thrive.

But fear had already taken root

and the people responded to the encouragement with rage.

Then the Glory of the Infinite appeared to all the people

and even this, a vision of the Divine Presence,

was not able to break the stranglehold of fear.

The people’s fright had become more powerful

than the truths they were seeing with their own eyes.

These days, as we know,

we are being encouraged to feel afraid--

to feel afraid of our differences,

to feel afraid of our liberties,

to feel afraid of each other.

Threats are being conjured to divide us

and keep us small.

Fear is a great tool for those seeking dominance and control.

It shuts down our reasoning and constricts our hearts.

Fear is contagious and once let loose it strengthens itself.

How do we break the vise grip of fear?

How do we develop the capacity to acknowledge fear

and not let it shape and define us?

Tradition teaches:

Do mitzvot

Engage in actions that create and strengthen connection:

                        Give thanks. Listen well.

                        Offer help. Seek guidance.

                        Engage with ritual. Share your blessings.

                        Show up for joy.

                        Act with kindness and generosity.

                        Make choices that benefit the community.

These actions help shift our perspective

and see beyond the stories fear creates.

They expand our vision

and reveal sparks of goodness, possibility and hope.

For the sake of each other and all life,

let us engage in acts of connection

and deny fear the power to shape our perceptions

and determine our deeds.

May love and healing grow from our words and actions.