Shabbat Sermon: A Balm for the Unredeemed with Rabbi Wes Gardenswartz

From the Bimah: Jewish Lessons for Life

Every Friday Shira calls her brother and sister-in-love in Jerusalem, Ari and Tziporit, to check in, to hear about their Shabbat plans, to hear about their children who are serving in Gaza or up north, and to wish them a Shabbat shalom. Two weeks ago they had a particularly evocative conversation. That week Ari and Tziporit had been blessed with a new grandson, and that very Friday night they were hosting what is called a Shalom Zachor, a festive gathering the first Friday night after the birth of a boy. Since the baby’s father had been on miluim up north for 8 months, and had gotten home only a few weeks before the baby was born, this would be an especially joyful Shalom Zachor. The conversation was about the delicious food they were serving, the gorgeous flowers and flower arrangements that we could see with FaceTime, and the many family and friends who would show up to share the simcha. So far, so good. And then Tziporit added: We are setting up the dining room, the living room, and the outdoor garden. And we are also setting up the safe room just in case there is a siren and everyone has to go downstairs to the bomb shelter.

Prepare for a gorgeous simcha full of love and joy and food and singing. Prepare for missile attacks. At the same time.