Yesterday on Facebook, Rabbi Goldstein shared his thoughts about what is going on in the world. His words echo how many of us feel but also remind us to continue to hope, to continue to have faith.

Thank you Rabbi Goldstein for sharing.

In the past 24 hours, the AP has reported that Israeli’s killed a Palestinian (ignoring the fact that he purposely drove into a crowd), and Qatar has been elected to the UN Human Rights Council.

To say that I am saddened by these events is to ignore the anger, the rage that I feel. Time and again this world has illustrated it’s hatred against Israel (and yes, Jews).

I know that I am not alone in feeling helpless and angry. I know that my job as a rabbi is to try to give hope to people. But there are days when rabbis feel hopeless as well.

I know that I am unable to fix this problem. I hope and pray that this world will come to its senses; that some day good will win out. For now, all I can do is express my solidarity with those feeling frustrated and angry. While I may tilt at windmills, I know that i cannot move mountains. All I can do is to try to increase God’s presence in this world by helping those around me, and by trying to improve my corner of the world.

To all those feeling similarly today, you are not alone. Don’t give up; we can never give up.

The people that walked in darkness
Have seen a brilliant light;
On those who dwelt in a land of gloom
Light has dawned.
You have magnified that nation,
Have given it great joy.
Isaiah 9:1-2

We have known dark times before, but we have seen great joy as well. We will rejoice again.

Rabbi Benjamin Golstein

October 23, 2014