As we made final preparations for the Midbar convention this weekend, we ran into a difficult question– not a bad question, rather a question we’ve been wanting to ask for years. Two weeks ago we bought yellow “Bring Them Home” candles to light this Friday evening. This Shabbat things are extraordinarily different than our expectations– the deal we’ve been praying for every week has been signed; the release that has been the focus of local advocacy in the weekly Denver and Boulder “Run For Their Lives” events has happened; the weekly protests in Hostage Square, Tel Aviv, have transitioned into celebration.
This Shabbat, lighting yellow candles doesn’t seem to make sense. For the first time in over two years, there are no living hostages held in Gaza. And yet, at the same time, this Shabbat, seats remain empty. Tears still run down our faces as we confront the reality that not everyone came home on Monday; that in the last two years, far too many innocents died for this Shabbat to be one of unencumbered celebrations. This Shabbat, as lighting yellow candles no longer feels sensical, we still must acknowledge the empty chairs around tables staring at us.
As we come together this Shabbat as USY, as we recite our blessing over the beautifully white candles, celebration doesn’t feel like the right emotion. There is still much to be done. There are still many more steps to achieving a dignified future for Israelis and Gazans alike; yet, today, that future feels closer than it has in years. This Shabbat, as we light the candles, I cannot help but feel cautiously hopeful. Hopeful that leaders will have the wisdom and courage to make lasting change. Hopeful that this Shabbat the Jewish people may begin to heal. Hopeful that we may soon have Shabbatot of unencumbered celebration.
As USYer’s gather from around the country this weekend, to roll back the Torah to its very beginning and hear the words of Bereshit, we leave behind the yellow candles of years past, for cautious hope.
A lot of great things are happening in USY and the Midbar area, and your support is appreciated more than you know. If there are any questions or you just want to connect about all things Midbar, feel free to contact Sarah Bochenek, our Community Director, at [email protected].
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