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A Bisl Torah

Endless Summer


It is not easy reframing this situation for young children. It is hard to explain why they can’t hug their grandparents, go on play dates and see their teachers in person. It is even harder encouraging them to cross the street to avoid other pedestrians, reporting that Disneyland is closed, and explaining why we stay home to protect the health of friends, family and strangers.

Words like “corona”, “death” and “sick” are starting to emerge in daily conversations. Erez and I are trying to instill within our children feelings of gratitude without instilling within them perpetual feelings of fear. Their anxiety is easy to spot: children in our bed at night, tantrums over silly things, and again, the questions. Questions without concrete answers. The same questions we’re all asking. When will this be over? Will life ever be the same?

My kindergartner and I were thinking about how we are spending the time. We noticed that we sleep in a little more, eat dinner together every single night, and play in the yard for hours on end. Almost simultaneously, we smiled. “Summer”, he said. And I replied, “Yes, exactly. Endless summer.” Summer usually includes memorable trips to visit family across the United States, a blissful week at Camp Ramah, an annual tradition of spending Fourth of July watching fireworks and listening to patriotic music, time on the beach with family and friends, and lazy afternoons at the frozen yogurt store. But Zachary needed to feel safe in the reframing of this life experience. We both know summer means more time. More time in pajamas. More time playing board games. More time outside. More time together.

Endless summer.

For many experiencing this time, “endless” is the only possible descriptive. I know some are unable to see elderly parents, desperately wishing to give them one more hug. Some are anxious to move forward with life. Bnai mitzvah, weddings, memorials and more. Others are in need of employment, wondering what the future will hold.

The word “endless”, alone offers unease, anxiety and fear.

Zach decided it is “endless summer”. But for you, I offer the following:

May this time of unease flood with endless hope.
May this time of anxiety exude with endless dreams.
May this time of fear overflow with endless love.

Above all else, I pray that within this unknown, you are able to find an endless peace.
May God’s endless compassion comfort your soul.

Shabbat Shalom

Please know that we desire to remain connected with you. Please join us virtually through our many prayer services and classes. Look at www.sinaitemple.org for the various ways we can remain in touch.
If you are in need, do not hesitate to email the clergy and let us know how we can support you. You are essential to us!

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