What can I do??
After the moving vigil on campus, we had a long, painful talk with a student, "I sit down to do work, and all I think about is Pittsburgh." The tragedy struck deeply, and without being able to do something measurable about it, it can feel debilitating.
One way to look at it, is to think about the victims who passed as individual souls. Just for a moment, think not about the senseless hate and tragedy, only about a specific individual who needs your help. Every act of Jewishness is a blessing for their soul.
Link your pain to their memory with something specific. It can be as easy as putting a few coins and charity, or or as proud as putting a mezuzah on your door. It can be saying a prayer once a week, or attending Shabbat dinner once a month. The best way to move forward through grief and anger is to channel it to a measurable action, no matter how small.
Societal change may not be easy, yet it must be pursued. Meanwhile, your personal commitments, big or small, will give you the strength to focus, knowing you are doing something for the memory of the 11 Jews murdered.
Here are some ideas:
One way to look at it, is to think about the victims who passed as individual souls. Just for a moment, think not about the senseless hate and tragedy, only about a specific individual who needs your help. Every act of Jewishness is a blessing for their soul.
Link your pain to their memory with something specific. It can be as easy as putting a few coins and charity, or or as proud as putting a mezuzah on your door. It can be saying a prayer once a week, or attending Shabbat dinner once a month. The best way to move forward through grief and anger is to channel it to a measurable action, no matter how small.
Societal change may not be easy, yet it must be pursued. Meanwhile, your personal commitments, big or small, will give you the strength to focus, knowing you are doing something for the memory of the 11 Jews murdered.
Here are some ideas:
