Given the daily news, not a day goes by when we aren’t feeling hurt, angry, despondent, or unsure. Some moments sneak through that give us encouragement and hope, but they pass too quickly. The news in the headlines about antisemitism, Jew-hatred, and a global intifada make all the other news items pale in comparison.

For months, I’ve written and spoken about Jewish solidarity founded on obligations for us to know Jewish history, Israel history, and facts and myths about Middle Eastern affairs. I’ve urged us to see this as a critical period in our history that demands our attention and action, rather than as a moment unrelated to that history. If only it were that easy to observe this moment and solve it, but history’s long arc bends slowly and not always towards justice or peace. As the issues drag on and deepen, we ache; but we must also heal where we can.

Like physical well-being, Jew-hatred can be healed even if it can’t be cured. In times like these, we need to remember that the scourge of antisemitism will always lurk beneath the surface. Ideally, we would stomp it out for good, but that would assume that we can stomp out evil, altogether. We can’t. Antisemitism is at the root of many evils. When it emerges, like it has, it’s a bad omen for more than just Jews. When we rely on each other and allies who support us we can eliminate its worst symptoms.

When we work together, we leave space and time for healing, too, even if it isn’t enough for a cure. In that free space and time, we can begin to recognize the limitation of our power. Even our Sages taught us that we can only expect to be humanly holy (cf commentary on Leviticus 19:2). All the more so should we place human expectations on our power to heal the world’s wounds. With such awareness, we can strengthen ourselves to be more effective where we can be.

We can read for information and knowledge. Though time seems to move in quick 30-second videos, today, a podcast or a book can be valuable learning time where large ideas and social policies merge to tell a fuller and more accurate narrative about the world.

We can meditate or worship for personal mindfulness and shared hopes. Personal well-being can begin with a cleansing breath, and social bonds can be formed in congregational worship. Prayers in our prayer book and prayers of the heart (even greater than prayers written for us) can make us aware of who we are in relationship to the greater good found in Torah, a sacred reflection of our covenant with God.

We can converse with family, friends, and neighbors to listen and learn. When we engage in conversations, even with people whose opinions we oppose, we can listen to their dreams for the future. Except for those who are indifferent to Jews and humanity, in most cases we’ll hear a common thread that includes hopes for prosperity, love, and peace. It might emerge in different expressions of culture and heritage, but no one is immune from these common human desires except those who thrive on indifference.

These three steps can be the start of your personal well-being. While the world rages it’s not your responsibility to resolve all of it. However, it is your responsibility to tend to yourself and the part of the world where you work, live, and worship. As we learn on an airplane, put your own oxygen mask on first and then assist others around you, including your children. When you’re ready to do more, let me know, because the community and organizations that support us and our allies are eager for your help.

Let’s aim to heal ourselves even if the cure eludes us. “Practice makes perfect,” isn’t always true, but it teaches us to keep trying to make improvements.

L’Shalom,