Rabbinic Reflection: Rabbi Eliza McCarroll

A Small Act of Kindness, A Powerful Reminder of Hope

This morning (Wednesday), we, the team, arrived at work to see our building covered in anonymous, red, heart-shaped Post-it notes with lovely, kind messages of support for our congregation.

Rabbi Baruchel brought this to our attention, and to say that this beautiful action, which we could even call a mitzvah, stirred up all the emotions is not an understatement:

How it is not an easy time to be a Jew in the world, to say the least.

How it is hard not to be weighed down by the news of the day, whether it be in Israel, in Michigan, in Europe, or here at home in Toronto.

How it is hard not to feel disheartened by the heavy presence of police and security, when all you want to do is come to work and not feel like you need to watch that every door is closed behind you.

Which made this thoughtful deed the lift the heart needed, it’s kindness, and it’s ultimately hopeful message: that we have friends out there, who were willing to go out of their way and take the time to let us know that we are loved, and we are seen. Thank you to whoever posted them!

We learn this week in our parasha, Vayikra, as we begin the book of Leviticus, that we are all required to bring our offerings – in ancient days, animal or produce sacrifices – before God. Each of them reflected the circumstances in which we found ourselves: for guilt (intentional or unintentional), for clarity and purification, and for thanksgiving, too. It was, I would suggest, the best way we knew how to demonstrate what we were feeling, and to take a small action of resilience by showing up in, and contributing to, the spiritual health and wellbeing of ourselves and our community.

Today, we still adhere to these sentiments, especially when it comes to expressing our gratitude. Whilst of course we do not bring sacrificial offerings, our Talmudic Sages, for example, suggest that we exhibit that same gladness through singing, and through good wine and food!

So what I am I grateful for in our day?

I am so deeply grateful for all of our security personnel for keeping us both being safe and feeling safe. I encourage you to express your gratitude to them, too, perhaps by offering a cup of coffee from Holy Grounds, or a bagel from kiddush, or simply by saying: “thank you”.

I am equally so deeply grateful for my amazing, hardworking colleagues who are tirelessly coordinating behind the scenes, whether its communicating with the police or advocating for us with elected officials.

Some of the other things I am grateful for as the situation continues to evolve every day are:

• Those beautiful notes I mentioned earlier!
• That every single person, student and staff, at Temple Israel in Michigan escaped unharmed, except their heroic Head of Security, who was injured but will make a full recovery. What a true miracle, as Pesach, our festival of miracles, approaches.
• That we had a happy, vibrant congregation who showed up in fullness for our Shabbat services, both Kabbalat Shabbat and Shabbat morning.
• That I can hear the sweet sounds of our own preschoolers when they play in the playground during their break time.
• That we always look forward with hope, as with our Dorot program entitled “The History of Hatikvah” – please come join us on March 24.
• That we’ll be celebrating 100 years of Reform music in Canada next Wednesday, March 25 – registration here!
• That we’ll be honouring our Cantorial Soloist Lindi Rivers 20 years of sacred service to our congregation next Shabbat, 27 March – more details here.

As the Book of Kohelet teaches us, there is a time for everything – including a time to weep, and a time to laugh. To laugh and cry with one eye.

With our eyes fully open, let us look out for one another, and let us bring our full selves to our sacred communal table.

Ken yehi ratzon, may this be God’s will.