originally sent as a congregation email to Sukkat Shalom, February 28,2025

Friends, 

These past two weeks have brought unimaginable grief to the Bibas family, to Israelis, to Jews, and to lovers of peace around the world. Watching the heinous release ceremonies of the hostages enflames anger and rage within us, darkening our world. As he buried his sons and wife, Yarden Bibas apologized to them individually for not protecting them. He prayed to his beloved: “Shiri, please watch over me… Protect me from bad decisions. Shield me from harmful things and protect me from myself. Guard me so I don’t sink into darkness.”  

Echoing the Hashkiveinu prayer, during which we pray for God to spread over us a shelter of peace, a Sukkat Shalom, Yarden reminds us to keep seeking light as protection from the darkness. Shiri, Kfir, Ariel, all of those who have died during this war, and all of those who came before us, please do not let us sink into the darkness.  

This task feels enormous right now. When darkness seeks to envelop us from every corner of our world, many of us are struggling to find light. Reading the news, Facebook, Instagram, listening to NPR and our friends, we risk falling into a tailspin. Who, I have repeatedly wondered, will provide the light we desperately need? God? A charismatic leader? Our children? In these moments we need to remember that we, I, us, are filled with light. When darkness threatens to crush us, our light can push it away.  

In our Torah portion this week God instructs us to “build a holy space so that God may dwell among them” – them, the people, not it, the place (Ex. 25:8). We invite the divine to re-kindle our lights and join us when we gather for both mourning and celebration. We strengthen our lights through our acts of kindness large and small. When we combine our lights together, we shine brighter than darkness. Our love triumphs over hate and goodness over evil.  

In this challenging time, I encourage you to reach out to others. Surround yourselves with family and friends who bring light into your world. Volunteer with organizations that share your values. Come to Sukkat Shalom for worship, study and tikkun olam, repair of our world.

If you or someone you love is struggling in the darkness, please know that we are here for you. We can also help guide you to professional help. It’s OK not to be OK.

May our love, kindness and light extinguish hatred and brighten our darkened world.

Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Brian Immerman