Christopher aka Qayum (his Sufi name) is visiting from Germany. My guest he knew that I have missed attending worship services since my accident. He knew that mostly I've only "attended" services via online live streams. He asked if we could go to service tonight. I gave him the choice of Temple, Synagogue or Hillel. I told him what to expect at each. He chose the student led service at Hillel.
We were both pleased with his choice. There was so much beauty, warmth and welcome there. The welcoming embrace eminated from her and Julie the other worship leader. I don't remember the last time I saw such a more heart warming smile as the one on Jackie's face. Julie, played guitar and led us singing all modern melodies to age old prayer rituals. Jackie expressed gratitude for the energy in the room tonight, and credited each of us for our part in creating it.
Shabbat, it is said is a taste of heaven. It was that tonight for sure. I trust that everyone present was impacted by the Shabbos bliss.
I didn't think it could get any better. When service ended Jackie told me how much she appreciated my harmonies and my voice. We carried the good vibrations with us from the sanctuary to the social hall where we enjoyed a "Russian Shabbat Meal". In addition to yummy food, there was delicious conversation. The young women sitting next to me told some things about how an auto immune system disease had played in her life. We compared notes on laughing at things that don't seem too funny. I very much hope I''ll be able to learn more from her..
Qayyum and I found new places during the meal too. I shared my impression of a Shabbat talk heard the week prior via online streaming- of a Jewish leader from Poland. Qayyum shared his impression on changes in German generational attitudes regarding the holocaust. I was encouraged to hear another account that younger Germans had insisted that their country "face" the unthinkable things that happened there.
I felt myself wishing, praying that our country would become willing to "face" and heal the violence that comes out of our history. I left imagining our country coming to terms with wealth and power built upon of kidnapping and enslavement of Africans and near genocide of Native Americans. Yes it's heavy stuff, but how enLIGHTening to have a Shabbos dream of my country becoming free, heal and move beyond the violence of racism that continues to plague the USA.
Reflecting I realized that Qayyum had told news that from the ashes of the holocaust, in a generation or two a potent healing force emerged. This touches me personally and encourages me that something beautiful might yet grow from what seems to me to be the way my life (and body) got pretty busted up.
Reflecting I realized that Qayyum had told news that from the ashes of the holocaust, in a generation or two a potent healing force emerged. This touches me personally and encourages me that something beautiful might yet grow from what seems to me to be the way my life (and body) got pretty busted up.
