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| How can you tell that spring is on its way? There's less snow than before |
Though there is still plenty of snow on the ground,
and perhaps a few more inches to come, we have survived the brunt of a brutal
winter. For many, this was the most disheartening winter on record. While we
might revel in breaking our own snow record, the breakdowns of transportation,
loss of income to individuals and businesses and the multiple snow days still
to be made up have been demoralizing. With crews working to repair roads and
tracks, and freezing temps keeping snow piles in view, we will be recovering
from this winter for some time to come.
With the first day of spring upon us, this is a good
time to take stock. Milestones like the spring equinox do not necessarily
promise a clear ending or beginning. A thirteen year-old does not suddenly
acquire maturity at bar/bat mitzvah. The relationship of a newlywed couple does
not automatically grow more loving or committed on the wedding day. Much like
any simcha (celebration) or ritual moment, we can use this date to see where
we’ve been and look forward to where we are going.
The winter storms provided multiple opportunities for
measuring our resilience and our compassion. Did we manage to overcome
resignation and bitterness? Did we shovel snow for our neighbors or give an
extra tip to the newspaper delivery service, dog-walkers or cleaners who came
to our house or office? Did we find ways to entertain our children, spend time
with partners and spouses, or even share our photos and stories with good
humor? And did we recognize how blessed
and fortunate we truly are to have heat and electricity, solid homes and
sufficient food? As one friend put it, “I’m grateful I don’t live in the
Ukraine or Syria.”
Israeli Elections on St. Patrick’s Day
No, I can’t find any meaning in that confluence of
events, except that it might succeed in bringing a smile to your face. By now,
you have probably read plenty of reports and analysis about the election
results. And if you haven’t, I want to point you to a couple of items.
In January, we hosted a talk entitled “Israel’s
Critical Election Dilemma: Change or Status Quo” with Israeli journalist Eetta
Prince-Gibson. Now we know the answer: more of the same. That’s part of what Jeremy Burton,
Executive Director of the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) had to say
the next morning in JewishBoston.com. I appreciate Jeremy’s ability to distill
truths in a way that everyone can agree on, no matter what your personal political
leanings. He is a true role model for maintaining balance while respecting the
wide range of views in the Jewish community.
And if you’re looking for something more pessimistic,
I recommend JJ Goldberg
in the Forward, “Trouble Ahead for Bibi. Plus: Why Herzog Lost.” Not that I’m a
fan of pessimism (I’m not!), but he lays out some of the challenges for Israeli
society resulting from the recent election campaign.
There are many more ways to discuss the election. I’ll
end by saying that, like the spring equinox, an election is a moment to take
stock. I pray that, like the promise of spring, the outcome of this election
will bring opportunities for renewal.
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