“In rooms of great darkness. It only takes a little light, to light up the whole room.”
On Wednesday night, I attended the Manhattan Beach Interfaith vigil for Israel along with the other clergy of St Cross, several St Cross members, and hundreds of community members from across the South Bay. The event was organized by several different Jewish temples, synagogues, community groups, and the city of Manhattan Beach. St. Cross clergy were there to listen and support. In his address to the crowd, Rabbi Mintz, reminded all of us of the power of reaching out. “In darkest rooms, in only takes a little light to light up the whole room. And we each have a light. We must let it shine.” He called on each of us to reach out to those in our lives who are Jewish or have connections to the Holy Land, and offer an encouraging word. To let them know that in their suffering, they are not alone. In their time of darkness, we can be a light. Several other speakers testified that the number of people reaching out to check on them was very encouraging and comforting in the midst of such incredible sorrow.
The images of the atrocities in Israel are spread around the world and cause so much gut wrenching heartache. So too, can the messages of support, and images of vigils and news gatherings in solidarity, travel around the world to touch hearts and bring peace.
So I echo the Rabbi’s call to action, and I urge you, when you encounter darkness, shine a light. Call, leave a message, and most importantly pray for the people of Israel, especially for those in your life and in your community who are Jewish or have ties with the Holy Land.
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Rachel+
