Hope Is Our Birthright

I begin our story by asking you to examine your life, those moments when challenges were turned into opportunities or possibly when opportunities were left undiscovered. Here we are in 2022 embracing a new reality, learning new ways of daily survival while holding onto our dreams. Today I further ask you, how are you helping one another? 

What we have experienced since the onset of the pandemic has left us silent, afraid, dreams destroyed, lives lost, and facing rigors one could not have fathomed. This pandemic has also enabled us to grow new strengths, new wisdom, and encouraged us to become stronger. Yes, there were silver linings during this tragic time.

We need the courage to deal with that which keeps us from living our dreams, hopes, and the future we wish to enjoy for ourselves and for our children. Rebbe Nachman insists “Kol Ha’olam Kulo Gesher Tsar me’od Veha’ikar Lo’ Lifached Klal”: The whole world is a narrow bridge. The essence is not to be afraid to cross it. There are times the bridge will seem too narrow, leaving us feeling lost, confused, and scared, yet despite the afflictions of this pandemic or any life challenge you have faced or are facing, hope comes as our reward for creating a future that is larger than us.

The challenge we faced, and for some, may still be navigating, it is a time that forces us to reflect on our life – its meaning, its brevity, its legacy, its unfinished business, and what is truly significant.

It is now, in this very time, that what we do matters. Our choices and how we respond to life situations and more importantly, how we support and show compassion for our friends, family, and stranger . 

Despite limitations imposed by circumstances, there remains hope for our dreams of a brighter today, and the future for that is our birthright. It is essential that we remain optimistic about opportunities, goals, dreams, and wishes. For no matter who we are, where we are, we are all in this together.  Today, and every day moving forward, this is our time as a community, as a temple family to help restore hope and faith in each other. So, let us set aside the judgment and put forth our hearts of kindness and compassion so we may all rise together. 

I ask you, from your life challenges, what have you learned? Where will it take you? How have you helped others? 

Try to see life predicaments as the button to restart your journey as you regain hope and confidence. Don’t let the injustice of this pandemic, political times, or life matters take control of you or your hopes and strength. When we help others we ultimately help ourselves.

Oftentimes, it’s the act of Tikun Olam that can help us feel better. At times of such political challenges or personal struggles we are looking for answers and help, but when we turn that into an opportunity to support others, our purpose and meaning for moving forward enhances. Now more than ever we need to believe and act with care and concern for everyone. When we help our fellow neighbors we raise their hope, and in turn, our hope strengthens. Seeking to give hope to others rewards us with reasons to champion forward, and that’s the point of survival.

For that, we must remember the life we live is reflected in our dreams, which ultimately, become the foundation of our hope. Never forget, that hope is your birthright. Share that hope with your friends and strangers around the world as someone will always need it a bit more than us. 

So I challenge you to be the beacon of light by removing idle thoughts and replacing that with compassion and care for yourself and others.

If we cannot stand by our family or friend in the good and bad, what do we as a community have left? It is in our religious value to help and to never stop aiding so that we remain the strong population we are known for. 

- Rabbi Merle E. Singer