There is a story* about a community that finally raised the money to build a new synagogue. They hired an architect and she and the rabbi worked closely together. On the day the new synagogue was ready to open its doors, everyone dressed up in their best clothes and the whole community was filled with excitement and anticipation. When they finally went inside, everyone marveled at the beauty and symmetry of the building. Until someone noticed something wasn't right. "Where are the lights?" he asked. "How will we light the building?" And, indeed, everyone saw that there were no lights or lamps of any kind.

Then the rabbi passed out lanterns to everyone there. "These are the lights," the rabbi told them. "When you come here to pray or celebrate or study or remember your loved ones, you will bring your lantern and each light will make the minyan that will light up the synagogue. When you don't come, your light will be missing."

"But what if we can't come?" one of the congregants asked. "What if we are sick or need to care for a family member or unable to leave the house?" "Then," said the rabbi, "You will give your lantern to a friend so that even if you are not here, your light will be."

Even though we can't attend in person right now, we bring our light to our virtual study sessions and services, through phone calls, texts, emails and zoom boxes. Our souls gather and the light of our community is strong.

May you all stay safe and well.
Batya Podos

Adapted from The Dark Synagogue, a story told by Rabbi Lawrence "Jake" Jackofsky in The Essential Jewish Stories collected by Seymour Rossel