In our combined 50 years of experience as congregational rabbis, we have stood at the forefront of our communities, guiding and supporting our congregants through life’s many challenges. However, in the past year, we have experienced something we never thought possible – a sense of isolation, displacement, and profound pain.
As spiritual leaders, we have always been a source of strength, comfort, and connection for our community. We have stood by our congregants’ side through times of joy and sorrow, offering words of wisdom, encouragement, and love. But this past year has tested us in ways we never could have imagined.
The COVID-19 pandemic has swept through our world, leaving behind a trail of devastation and heartache. As rabbis, we have witnessed the toll it has taken on our congregations – the loss of loved ones, financial struggles, and deep-rooted fear and anxiety. We have seen the toll it has taken on our communities – the shuttering of businesses, the disruption of daily life, and the erosion of social connections.
But as leaders, we have also felt the weight of this pandemic on our own shoulders. We have grappled with the same feelings of loneliness and dislocation that our congregants have. We have struggled to find the right words to comfort and inspire, while grappling with our own fears and doubts.
Never before have we felt so alone and disconnected from our community. The physical distancing measures have forced us to cancel in-person services and events, leaving us with virtual connections that cannot replicate the same sense of togetherness and communal spirit.
As rabbis, our role is to bring people together, to foster a sense of unity and belonging. Yet, in the face of the pandemic, we have been forced to navigate uncharted territory, relying on technology to maintain a sense of connection with our congregants.
But despite the challenges, we have also witnessed the resilience, strength, and compassion of our communities. We have seen individuals step up to support and care for one another, whether it’s delivering groceries to the elderly, hosting virtual events and services, or simply reaching out with a phone call or text to check-in.
In these moments of darkness, we have also seen the light shine brightly. We have seen the power of faith and community, bringing people together in ways that transcend physical boundaries.
As we move forward, we must remember that our role as rabbis is not just to lead in times of certainty and stability, but also in times of uncertainty and upheaval. Our communities look to us for guidance, comfort, and hope, and we must continue to be a source of strength and inspiration for them.
In the face of this unprecedented crisis, we have also been reminded of the importance of self-care and self-compassion. As rabbis, we often put the needs of our community above our own, but we must remember that we cannot pour from an empty cup. We must take care of ourselves, physically, mentally, and spiritually, so that we can continue to be a source of support and guidance for our congregants.
As we continue to navigate this new reality, we must also look for ways to adapt and innovate. The pandemic has forced us to rethink the way we connect and engage with our community, and we must continue to find new ways to foster a sense of togetherness and spiritual connection.
But most importantly, we must hold onto hope. We know that this too shall pass, and we will emerge stronger and more resilient than ever before. As rabbis, we have a unique opportunity to help our community find meaning and purpose in the midst of this crisis. Let us continue to support and uplift one another, believing in the power of faith, hope, and community to carry us through these challenging times.
In our 50 years of serving as congregational rabbis, we have never experienced a more challenging time. But we have also never felt more united in our shared struggle. Let us continue to lean on one another, to support and lift each other up, and together, we will overcome this crisis with faith, resilience, and compassion.
