Who Will We Be in These Times

Dear Friends,

The waters were rough, the skies were threatening, but I had been waiting all day to paddle so I thought, why not just go? I packed a hot drink and some snacks and set off in my kayak across the lake. The current was with me and I moved quickly over the waters.

Astounded by the layers of clouds I took a few photos, ignoring what their dark colors might indicate, until I heard some rumblings in the sky. A plane over head, I hoped. The intermittent booms made it clear that thunder was rolling toward me.

Realizing I was much farther from camp than I had originally thought, I paddled hard into the rising waves. I was the only one on the lake—even the birds had departed—but lifting my eyes I saw a rainbow. The colors were muted but its presence was sure and it inspired me on.

I made it back to camp with 5 minutes to spare before the skies unleashed a torrent of rain and lightning flashed across the lake. I was very grateful.

In this week’s Torah portion, Noach, a rainbow appears in the sky;
a sign from the Holy One telling us
that the fate of creation is on our hands.
How we live, who we are
will determine how life goes on.

There is so much that can discourage us right now.
Literal storms are raging
and human cruelty, arrogance and corruption
seem to know no bounds.

And there is so much good.
Right now someone is sharing food,
someone is offering support,
creating art, making music, dancing,
writing postcards, registering voters.

Right now someone is holding a friend who weeps,
someone is caring for a child,
teaching a person new skills,
going out of their way to help someone they do not know.

And right now underground
roots are intertwined,
seeds are being nourished
and new life awaits.

Without denying the storms
we must look to the signs
that offer encouragement and support.

Who we are in these times
will determine how life goes on.

May we be grand in our vision
and audacious in our conviction that acts of love,
devotion, generosity, courage, kindness and care
will guide us through the storms
and provide the foundation for new possibilities to emerge.

Love and blessings,
Rabbi Yael