In the course of my day yesterday I spoke with a wonderful rabbi working hard to serve her congregants in this treacherous time. She bemoaned that all she could do was sit remotely with one family after the death of a parent -Normally I’d rush to be with them, to accompany them, I’d hold on as they cried and grieved, I’d be there to conduct the shiva minyan, I’d linger after others had left to sit some more. Now all I could do was be there at a distance, a virtual image. How to get through to her effectively that doing everything you possibly can is all you’ve ever been able to do?
I believe Rabbi T’s dilemma is one most of us are facing now - when I try to help, it feels so paltry. (The easily identifiable exceptions are those working on the front lines who are indeed physically present to help heal bodies and souls, and their souls if not also their bodies are paying an exorbitant price for their valor.) But what of the great majority of us, what can we do?
For starters, we can and should reach out to those facing harm up close and personal, keep expressing gratitude for their courage, stay open to listening when they talk and help them release some of their pain at what they’re witnessing. Donate what you can to your local hospitals, whether masks or money for buying PPE. In general, be as generous as you can with your tzedukah - lately I’ve been getting double bang for my buck by making donations in honor of dear ones whose spirits are then lifted by a shout-out. Stay alert to those in your circles of friends, colleagues, neighbors who need help shopping, running errands, call to check in on them, especially those who live alone. And remain active in the social justice networks you committed to before - all those problems will still be there when we emerge from quarantine. When you’ve done all you can in a day, declare that “enough.”
What work are you called to do in the day?
How can you offer something meaningful even though you may feel like a tiny David facing monstrous Goliaths? (see yesterday’s post)
An email this morning invited me to contribute to several worthy causes in honor of a friend’s new grandchild - the list of options included Essie’s Black Mama’s Bailout which supports releasing from prison women who couldn’t come up with exorbitant bail. If you’d like to draw attention to other less-well-known projects or organizations, please leave a brief explanation and contact info in comments below.
What are the needs you see looking out your window, at your town, your neighborhood? What do you see looking beyond and what might you be able to offer?