This has been a very difficult week for us as Jews and as Americans.  The outpouring of support through the many vigils has been heartfelt. The real test of who we are will be seen in the coming weeks and months, as our lives return to “normal.”  What we do now that the attack is longer a headline and part of the news cycle will be telling. I hope the words of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks inspire and hearten us to live in the most Godly and purposeful way.

Jewish faith is not about believing the world to be other than it is.  It is not about ignoring the evil, the darkness and the pain. It is about courage, endurance and the capacity to hold fast to ideals even when they are ignored by others.  It is the ability to see the world for what it is and yet still believe that it could be different. It is about not giving up, not letting go. Faith is what the Song of Songs calls “the love which is stronger than death.”  (Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, A Letter in the Scroll, pg.191)