Thank you writing this. I am usually an optimist, but as each day passes I find it becomes harder to see an end to these difficult times to come. I take small actions each day, although I know some of these actions will not lead to a victory, I must continue to try.. I am an environmental science teacher, and my hope is that I can make a difference in my students lives by sharing information about the world they live in by simply showing them how systems work. How farmers grow food, how MSW is processed, how sewage treatment facilities operate, how electricity is made from both renewable and nonrenewable sources and much more. It is my hope that they can use that knowledge to evaluate policy decisions and that affect the environment and the people affected by those policies.
Thank you, Shane, for showing us how the little things we do each day can make a big difference. There will be an end to this madness. We just need to recognize that work like what you are doing can lead to small shifts and then to bigger ones. I wish I could be more hopeful.
Thank you Elizabeth Cab. It’s what you say. Thank you Rabbi Hammerman. You are a great comfort to me. I wish we could share a glass of tea, outside. I’ll send money soon.
Thank you Rabbi for deepening my understanding of spirituality and giving me a renewed sense of peace and hope. I was especially moved by your words about Groundhog Day and its connection to our daily prayers. The idea that each day brings a fresh start, much like the verse praising the renewal of creation, speaks to me. It reminds me that, despite the challenges we face, every morning offers a new opportunity for growth and transformation, I love that!
Thank you for challenging me to look beyond the surface of everyday life and see the sacred in the ordinary. You have encouraged me to think more deeply about my connection to God and others, increased my understanding of God and spirituality, and inspired me to live a better life. Thank you for teaching me to find meaning and beauty in the rhythms of life.
One of my favorite poems is by a Scots poet, Wendell Berry called The Peace of Wild Things. It evokes the same feelings in me as your writing does.
Thank you again Pattie. I love that poem and we absolutely need to find peace and inspiration - and meaning and beauty - wherever we can find it. And we need to share love with a supportive community. Each day gives us a chance to make the world better.
I watched A Real Pain after your recommendation the other day. Both Kieran Culkin and Jesse Eisenberg were wonderful. I found special meaning in it as I visited Lublin this past spring along with the Majdanek Museum. The museum is so well curated. Go in the morning if you are visiting on a warm day. There is very little shade and a lot of walking. And Lublin is a beautiful city.
Yes, I've been to Maidanek twice. It is the most realistic and best restored reminder of what the camps were all like. I was concerned at first that they chose to film inside the gas chambers but they pulled it off appropriately. And the point that the camp is surrounded by the city’s neighborhoods is well taken (though the city has grown since the war)
Thank you writing this. I am usually an optimist, but as each day passes I find it becomes harder to see an end to these difficult times to come. I take small actions each day, although I know some of these actions will not lead to a victory, I must continue to try.. I am an environmental science teacher, and my hope is that I can make a difference in my students lives by sharing information about the world they live in by simply showing them how systems work. How farmers grow food, how MSW is processed, how sewage treatment facilities operate, how electricity is made from both renewable and nonrenewable sources and much more. It is my hope that they can use that knowledge to evaluate policy decisions and that affect the environment and the people affected by those policies.
Thank you, Shane, for showing us how the little things we do each day can make a big difference. There will be an end to this madness. We just need to recognize that work like what you are doing can lead to small shifts and then to bigger ones. I wish I could be more hopeful.
Thank You Rabbi.. your thoughts help me make it through these strange times.
Blessings on your house. ✌🏻
And on yours. My dad, who died many years ago, was the dean of Cantors in New England. One of his signature songs was entitled “Bless this Hoise.” You just prompted me to share it - https://archive.org/details/CantorMichaelHammermanblessThisHouse
Thank you Elizabeth Cab. It’s what you say. Thank you Rabbi Hammerman. You are a great comfort to me. I wish we could share a glass of tea, outside. I’ll send money soon.
Virtual tea isn't so bad!
I read every post you post! You’re a rock!
Thank you Rabbi for deepening my understanding of spirituality and giving me a renewed sense of peace and hope. I was especially moved by your words about Groundhog Day and its connection to our daily prayers. The idea that each day brings a fresh start, much like the verse praising the renewal of creation, speaks to me. It reminds me that, despite the challenges we face, every morning offers a new opportunity for growth and transformation, I love that!
Thank you for challenging me to look beyond the surface of everyday life and see the sacred in the ordinary. You have encouraged me to think more deeply about my connection to God and others, increased my understanding of God and spirituality, and inspired me to live a better life. Thank you for teaching me to find meaning and beauty in the rhythms of life.
One of my favorite poems is by a Scots poet, Wendell Berry called The Peace of Wild Things. It evokes the same feelings in me as your writing does.
https://www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk/poem/peace-wild-things-0/
Thank you again Pattie. I love that poem and we absolutely need to find peace and inspiration - and meaning and beauty - wherever we can find it. And we need to share love with a supportive community. Each day gives us a chance to make the world better.
I watched A Real Pain after your recommendation the other day. Both Kieran Culkin and Jesse Eisenberg were wonderful. I found special meaning in it as I visited Lublin this past spring along with the Majdanek Museum. The museum is so well curated. Go in the morning if you are visiting on a warm day. There is very little shade and a lot of walking. And Lublin is a beautiful city.
Yes, I've been to Maidanek twice. It is the most realistic and best restored reminder of what the camps were all like. I was concerned at first that they chose to film inside the gas chambers but they pulled it off appropriately. And the point that the camp is surrounded by the city’s neighborhoods is well taken (though the city has grown since the war)
Thanks, Scott. A fave of mine as well! Innocent times.
Thanks for the link to “Machar”! A favorite dance at camp! You seem to take me back to those days often in your columns! Much appreciated!