Do You Think About Fragility And Impermanence?

As I lit the Shabbat candles last night, I prayed for peace, hope, and harmony in our world. So much is out of our control, not only now but always. 

I haven’t used these crystal candlesticks in years—they were gifted to us on our wedding day. As I carefully took them out of the cabinet, I thought about how quickly lives can be shattered. And contemplated fragility, impermanence, and ancestors. 

Such heaviness, sadness, and intense emotions swirled within my heart. 

I gazed at these beauties and the flickering flames. Then I saw strength and solidarity.

My grandma’s face appeared in my mind, vivid memories of when she lit candles in her cozy kitchen, her empathy, her energy enveloping me. I wondered as a young girl why she cried each Shabbat. (She and my grandfather fled Poland.) I never fully understood her melancholy emotions. Yet I always felt her unconditional love.

Here I am, now a mother as well, misty eyed and pensive as I think about those leaving their lives, loved ones, and homes.

I cannot find the words to express the feelings I have about what is happening in Ukraine. And I have so many questions that will never have answers. The unknown is scary and especially tough during uncertain times.

Yet isn’t that what faith is about? As I shared in January, I’m choosing faith over fear. We must make peace a priority. It is the only way.

I love watching the world wake up. The dawn uplifts and beams beauty with its rays of renewal. I hope the days ahead shift from turbulent to tranquil.