Reach Forward
The key to staying sane in the coming year is to find a sense of freedom even when confined. We can do that with some orderliness and control. That’s the best way through to the other side.
The path to a promised land is always by way of a narrow and perilous path. Upon leaving Egypt the Hebrews passed through the sea of reeds, with walls of water to their left and right. To complete the journey, forty years later, they passed through lands inhabited by hostile nations. Moses sends out word, seeking permission to traverse the land. “Let me pass through your country. I will keep strictly to the highway, turning off neither to the right nor to the left.” Emerging from a confined passage, be it through land or time, requires that we be forward looking and not distracted by the dangers on the left or right.
The dangers these days are not so much from hostile neighbors so much as a devastating virus. Many are struggling to find meaningful activities in their days when days seem to blend one into another.
I am not trained to address the psychological challenges. I would offer thoughts about the spiritual challenges. Try having faith. Faith is expressed when we plan for a day that we can move in any direction. Faith is fostered when we extend ourselves to others who are struggling. Faith is nourished when we make a spiritual practice part of our daily routine.
Add some orderliness to your day with an exercise routine or a long-term study project. The internet is rich with classes like yoga and torah study. Demonstrate control over your day by following a schedule and checking off a list of tasks completed. Reach beyond yourself. How ever much you feel constrained, there are many far more impaired. Spread your love and concern. How about a weekly email or text every Friday wishing individual friends and family a Shabbat shalom?
Torah urges us to focus our attention toward the future. Our goal is to pass through to a promised land. The trip is not without danger but the reward at the end may be paradise.
Rabbi Evan J. Krame