I don't have to tell you if you are a New Yorker...we are kind of past the fall of the Roman Empire here...even hardened, "I've seen it all" city dwellers are weary and sad...the attack on the subway riders in Brooklyn is difficult to read about...the footage makes me wince...because somewhere deep inside I feel this is not the apex in our decline...Mayor Adams has inherited a ship riddled with deep holes...impossible in many ways to keep from sinking...and this all happening in the shadow of Ukraine...and the holiest of months for Muslims, Christians and Jews...for me, as I prepare for Passover...the third in this ongoing 11th plague of Covid...I do have to stop and think...about how Jews have always needed to be light on their feet...chased by war and pogroms...or journeying to be closer to the Holy Land...closer to G-d and at peace...light on their feet...have you ever eaten a Passover meal?!...but I digress...this year when you find that quiet space to pray...even if it is not to a G-d, but to Mother Earth herself...take a few minutes...pray for those who run to live...in Ukraine...in war torn countries in Africa...pray for those who we elected to be benevolent and wise in dragging our New York back on its feet...pray that with masks off we learn to smile at strangers...not snarl in contempt...and mostly when you look inward remember...never let the chance of redemption and change pass you over...
