What does this moment ask of us?

As rabbis we are often expected to have the right words for every moment. But sometimes there are no ‘right words’; sometimes our words are insufficient to express the pain we feel, the complexity of our emotions, the needs of our communities.

Sometimes what we need to do is to be together – to stand together as we do at this moment, to look around and see one another and appreciate each other’s presence.

So, as we do this, as we look around, what does this moment ask of us?

That we recognise that each of us is hurting – secular or religious, orthodox or progressive, whatever our politics, we are brought together by our shared pain, horror and sadness.

That we express our gratitude to those who support us – both inside our community and outside. The police, friends and neighbours – those brave enough to speak up.

That we look after our children – whether in Jewish schools or not, at university – they need our care and attention to help them to understand and to encounter the world around them.

That we give each other the love and care that we need – for we are all suffering. And need to be gentle with one another and ourselves.

And that we join our voices together in the words of our tradition: “Adonai oz l’amo yiten, adonai y’varech et amoh ba’shalom.” May the Eternal One grant strength to the people; may the Eternal One bless the people with peace.