For Your Consideration - Rabbi Mark Dov Shapiro
“I’m back at work.” Who would ever think those four simple words could hold such meaning?
But they do for me this year as the High Holidays approach.
“I’m back at work” means that I survived. Since I am not prone to worry, I mostly assumed that my surgery would go well. Then again, one never knows, and I am blessed and fortunate to have come through the ordeal successfully and without complications.
I’m back at work” also means that I can now thank the many congregants who expressed their concern in so many touching ways. The cards and notes and other unexpected gestures of affection truly meant the world to me. Honestly speaking, I was overwhelmed in a wonderful way. Opening the mail after I came home from the hospital became a powerful part of my day. You were there for me and I so much appreciate all that you did.
“I’m back at work” also means that I have had the opportunity to experience something else: many of you prayed for me; many people outside our own congregation also told me that I was in their prayers. And this mattered. The prayers didn’t magically cure me, but the prayers and the general sense of spirit surrounding me did help me heal.“In fact, I wondered myself how I would want to pray in the hospital and I discovered (especially before the surgery) that the praying was natural and intense. When we meet on the holidays, I may want to tell you more about that, but for now the sweet news is I’m back to tell the tale.
I’m looking forward to a productive year for our congregation. I’m very happy to wish you all a sweet New Year. May we find many opportunities for healing ourselves and the very needy world in which we live. Shana Tova!