CBI Blogs

I don’t know about you, but just two days into the City of Austin’s lifting of all COVID 19 protocols, I find myself still processing the news. While I had slowly been emerging from behind my mask: going to HEB, Purim rehearsals with our volunteers, leading worship in our sanctuary mask-free – I am surprised by how this announcement continues to feel like a miracle.

In fact, during the past two weeks, so much has felt: miraculous. I have met two different friends out for lunch – out for lunch! This past Friday evening I got to see people singing with me for the first time in two years. Yes, I have heard people singing along but to see the expressions on their faces, wow. So much emotion. Just incredible.

While the pandemic has been full of firsts: owning a collection of reusable face masks, not being able to visit family and friends abroad, creating meaningful workspace at home, celebrating holidays in our homes and not in our synagogue it seems the transitions just keep coming. I’m going to say it: it is exhausting.

What are we to do? In this tired and overwhelmed state?

Nap. The first thing we need to do is nap whenever we can. Along with being sure we get enough sleep we need to hydrate and eat really good food. As we nourish our bodies, I invite us to do the same with our souls. Take in the gift of spring that Mother Nature is putting on display with all the senses available to us. Feel the strong winds through our hair, across our skin, and soak in the vitamin D by spending just five minutes in the sun.

I hope all of this rejuvenates us and allows us to live the miracle that is being alive. If this time has taught us anything it is that life is a sacred gift that we cannot take for granted.

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, שֶׁהֶחֱיָֽנוּ וְקִיְּמָֽנוּ וְהִגִּיעָֽנוּ לַזְּמַן הַזֶּה.

Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech haolam, shehechehyanu, v'kiy'manu, v'higianu laz'man hazeh. Amen.

We praise You, Eternal our God, who has given us life, and kept us alive and helped us reach this moment.

Shabbat Shalom.