Meet Me After Covid

As the pandemic drags on, I’ve noticed changes to relationships. Some friendships have grown stronger. Some families have found ways of connecting with virtual reunions. That’s the positive side of relationships in a time of covid. But, other relationships have suffered

The stress of an unseeable, almost unfathomable pathogen has also brought focus to the difficulties of maintaining connections. For example, our responses to the precautions needed to fend off the virus have met with emotional and polarizing political positions. Other personal relationships have suffered through alienation, isolation, and a feeling of abandonment. In these unusual times, some relationships strengthen while others need much repair.

I am not despairing. In Torah, Esau and Jacob were reunited after more than two decades of estrangement. Jacob purloined Esau’s entitlements as the firstborn. Esau was enraged. Jacob fled to the ancestral homeland of Haran.

When Jacob returned to Canaan, emissaries advised Jacob that Esau had begun to march out to receive Jacob. Esau brought 400 men with him. Jacob was apprehensive, dividing his family in case of violence, and sending gifts ahead to Esau. When the two men met, Jacob was pleasantly surprised. Esau received Jacob warmly. The brothers embraced and tears were shed.

Whether we are distanced by fear of illness or fear of each other, there can be reconciliation. Jacob had cautious optimism. Perhaps, he could have turned his family in another direction and evaded Esau. Rather, he entreated Esau with gifts and was greeted with tears.

Whether on a national level repairing political discourse or on a personal level restoring personal relationships, our task is to maintain cautious hopefulness. Jacob sets an example for us on how best to approach reconciliation. We can narrow the distance caused by fear and ill-regard. Relationships might not be perfected, but there are opportunities for respectful relationships even among those who have been at war with each other.

Rabbi Evan J. Krame