Finding Strength

By Jenny Walder
University of Wisconsin Madison

In these troubled times, we all look for support and guidance. This support might come from friends, family and for many, a rabbi. Each week in preparation for the sermon, a rabbi must take into account all of the events of the world, along with the feelings of their congregation. The congregants are often very diverse in their background and politics. I do not envy a rabbi who tries to accommodate an entire congregation by showing guidance and support through his or her weekly sermon.

Along with weekly support, a rabbi must be on call continuously for his or her congregation. From deaths to births and celebrations, rabbis provide a wealth of support. But who supports the rabbis? Family and friends are important for everyone, but even more important for rabbis. Rabbis give all of themselves to the people with whom they work and in order to rejuvenate, must take personal time.

In the upcoming months, the rabbinic world will be working hard in preparation for the high holidays. With the world in constant turmoil, we all live with fear and upheaval. With the guidance and support of our rabbis, friends, and family, we can garner the strength to work for peaceful times.

[Posted 8/4/05]