A Word from Rabbi Schulman - 9/9/16

In two days, our country will mark the 15th anniversary of 9/11. For anyone who is 25 or older, that day is seared into our memory. Everyone remembers where we were that Tuesday morning; how we first learned of the planes striking the Twin Towers; then another attack on the Pentagon; and a fourth plane crashing into a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. We recall the horror of that time as we watched hour after hour, day after day. We wept as we learned of the tragic loss of life. Accounts of heroism and personal sacrifice moved us to tears. There was great fear in our country in the days following 9/11; as well as tremendous resolve that as Americans we would endure. Five days after 9/11, a community rally was held in a public park in the city where I resided. People from every walk of life came together to strengthen one another. Elected officials and religious leaders stood together, each expressing a message of condolence and hope. The prayer I offered that day included these words: O God we pray: When evil darkens our world, give us light. When despair numbs our souls, give us hope. When we stumble and fall, lift us up. When nothing seems sure, give us trust. When ideals fade, give us vision. When we lose our way, be our guide. It has been fifteen years since 9/11. \The passage of time diminishes emotion, but it takes only a photograph, a story, or a video from 9/11 to reawaken raw feelings. Permit yourself time this Sunday to remember. Whether in silent meditation or writing in a journal; in quiet conversation or in watching a documentary; commemorate that day by reflecting on what happened on 9/11. Remember that day and may you be moved to deeds of kindness and justice and peace.