An Inukshuk in the District of Lunenbur, Nova Scotia. Photo: SLSobel
I just returned from a marvelous hiking/walking vacation in Nova Scotia. Our trip focused on traversing the countryside from the Bay of Fundy to Lunenberg, learning about the local culture, history, people, and food, and truly immersing ourselves in nature. It was a wonderful way to unwind, refresh, and disconnect from the hustle and bustle of every day life. We didn’t see the news, read much email, get caught up in any social media posts. (I wrote last week's “Rabbi’s Corner” column in advance of my trip).
While I was away, the Paris Olympics began, Hurricane Debby hit the southern US and started to make the weather and flights all along the east coast difficult, and most importantly, Israel eliminated Ismail Haniyeh, chairman of the Hamas Political Bureau, and Fuad Shukr, a top Hezbollah commander. Iran is Hamas’ most important ally in the region and we are well aware that Hezbollah is a proxy for Iran. We also know full well that Iran will not let these two deaths go unavenged, that there will be retaliation against Israel. We wonder: what form will that retaliation take? When will it take place? Who will be affected? Security was on high alert as I made my way back to the US: there were many signs at the airport in Toronto and Halifax notifying us to be prepared for lengthy waits due to extra security precautions. Israel is preparing to the best of its ability for what may occur. Israel’s allies are doing all they can to offer support, and they are using diplomatic means to try and avoid an escalation of military might and war, all while shoring up military strength in the region. We too, are on high alert, both for what may occur in Israel and what may occur in our own communities as a result. We are all on edge as we wait.
What can we do? I realized that there are some helpful strategies I learned on my hiking/walking trip that help us during these uncertain times. I will share a few below:
1. Be prepared for any situation: Each of us knew what we needed for this hiking/walking trip. We trained in advance. We also knew what type of gear to bring: waterproof hiking boots and rain gear, layers, and a day pack. Each evening, our guides would explain the route for the following day and suggest what to pack in our day pack. Every day, they recommended always bringing our rain jacket and pants. We knew when to use our hiking poles, how much mileage to prep for, and what type of terrain we would traverse. If we knew these things in advance, we could mentally prepare for any challenges in the route, or any challenges with the weather.
Israel and her allies are doing the best they can to prepare for any outcome, including things which are top-level security to which we are not privy. We know Iran and its proxies will always count on an element of surprise. How do we prepare ourselves? Outside of making sure that we observe all of our own security protocols, we prepare by making sure our Jewish community and TBS community is strong and solid. We participate in Shabbat worship, social action activities, educational events, and social events. We volunteer without being cajoled. We attend events in the greater Orange County Jewish community. We are stronger together.
2. Continue moving forward, and looking ahead: When the hiking path was uneven, challenging, and a bit dangerous, our guides showed us how to keep on going slowly and safely: “step/plant (plant our hiking poles), step/plant, step/plant.” By continuing along the designated path, with a sense of steadfastness, security, and looking ahead, we will reach our designated goal safely, calmly with a sense of joy and accomplishment.
The future is very uncertain at the moment, however we cannot stop what we are doing. We do so, however, with our eyes wide open, knowing that everything we do will enhance the lives of ourselves, our Jewish community, and the world around us. Once we arrive on “solid ground” to a more secure future, we can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing we have made tremendous progress.
3. Celebrate life’s blessings along the way: Sometimes I walked slowly, because I was hiking in the most beautiful natural surroundings. I wanted to stop, take it all in, truly look at everything around me. I didn’t simply rush to “get to the end.” I was there to see, listen, experience. It made the challenges seem less challenging and I was able to complete each hike with a smile and sense of elation. We visited a historic military cemetery in Halifax, dating back to 1750, Fort Massey Cemetery. Amidst all the Christian stones, we found one Jewish headstone. It was so old, the writing was faded. However, the Magen David was clearly visible. Other Jews had been there before us, as we observed from the rocks placed on the base. If I had rushed through the cemetery, I would have missed this special moment.
A historic Jewish military headstone. Photo: SLSobel
Even during challenging times, there are joys, surprises, family moments large and small to celebrate. It is so important to slow down, take time to experience life, even during hectic times, challenging times, ordinary times, and special moments.
4. Friends, community, laughter, and joy make every type of journey especially meaningful: I went on this trip with two close friends. However, the entire group was only 14 people and we bonded immediately. We discussed life in all its vicissitudes, we laughed, had fun, commiserated together, and celebrated each other’s accomplishments. Experiencing this trip with this group was one of the highlights of this vacation.
No matter if we are experiencing uncertain times, joyful times, or plain ordinary times, sharing those moments with friends, family, and community enables us to walk through life feeling nurtured and strengthened, supported and blessed. As God tells Adam in Genesis: “it is not good for man to be alone.” (Genesis 2:18)
5. Sometimes, a good guide, teacher, mentor, or leader can make all the difference in life: We had the three most incredible guides/leaders on our trip. They not only led the hikes with great knowledge and skill, they took care of each person’s different needs with grace and kindness, they had tremendous senses of humour, and they instinctively knew how to enable each one of us to have the best vacation.
Each one of us has expertise in some areas of life, but none of us is an expert in all. A good mentor, leader, teacher, leader, or guide will help us navigate both the good times and challenges in life with skill, grace, kindness, and a sense of humour and fun.
As we confront this challenging journey that now confronts Israel and the Jewish community, we pray for the peace of Israel and all her neighbors. May we be safe and secure here in our own community and may we all find ourselves traversing on smooth paths soon.
Oseh shalom bimromav, Hu yaaseh shalom aleinu v’al kol Yisrael, v’al kol yoshvei tei-vel, v’imru: Amen.
May the One who causes peace to reign in the high heavens let peace descend on us and on all Israel and all the inhabitants of the world, and let us say: Amen.
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