Since we have been “staying at home” for days now, the Governor’s order is not giving me any more anxiety! I am reading from Rabbi Heschel’s “Who is Man” about embarrassment. Rabbi Heschel says that embarrassment is a response and an awareness as well as a “protection against the outburst of the inner evils, against arrogance, hybris, self-deification.” I love this- because it reminds me that I have to be so aware of my own hybris- I don’t know everything and this pandemic is teaching me/us how little we know at times. It also points up my/our powerlessness. Being embarrassed allows me to have control over me, however. I can control my response, I don’t have to blame anyone for this pandemic- only be in the solution. Unfortunately, our President wants to blame and not take responsiblity. Because Trump and his minions are NOT embarrassed about anything- they are “certain of their own wisdom” which is scary to me- because they are incapable to learn and/or be wrong.
We, however, can be embarrassed! We can protect ourselves from these inner evils by remembering WE ALL MATTER! Controlling our response means that we be of service to each other, we help our family and friends and strangers. We can Skype, Zoom, FaceTime, call, text, email and wave to people all day and every day. Being in the solution means practicing safe practices, no touching, social distancing, covering up and washing our hands often. We can volunteer to help those around us who are shut in- we can stop hating and hold people responsible to BE HUMAN.
Tonight is Shabbat, I propose getting together virtually with those we want to. I think we should look at the Parashah with hope because at the end of the Parashah, God’s presence fills the Mishkan. Our challenge and our joy comes from allowing God’s presence to fill us! Shabbat Shalom.