Dear JEWISHcolorado family,
 
I want to start by wishing you a Shabbat Shalom.
 
While we begin each Friday evening by saying these words, I know that I don’t always concentrate on what they really mean.
 
Shabbat Shalom translates literally to “sabbath of peace,” and in these trying times, it’s worth remembering that peace is more than simply the absence of war. The word shalom implies a wholeness; it denotes integrity of mind, body, and spirit. And, in this sense, an anxious person, a fearful person, a person who is sick or hurting or alone cannot have peace. True shalom requires togetherness: if we are isolated from each other, we cannot be at peace. If we ignore those amongst us in need, we cannot be at peace.
 
In this moment, at this time of fear and isolation, I’ve found comfort in what I’ve seen our community do for each other. I’ve been reminded again and again that we are one people, that together we are stronger, that there is, between us, an unbreakable bond. A bond that connects us and sustains us and that brings us true shalom.
 
JEWISHcolorado is here for you. We are facing the challenge of this moment, and we are working to find ways to connect to you and to connect you to each other. You will hear more about all the work we’re doing in the coming weeks and months, but for now, on this Shabbat, I want to say simply that I wish you wholeness and that we, your community, strive to hold you in wholeness.  

If you or someone you know needs access to social services or is wanting in any way, please email help@jewishcolorado.org.

—Rabbi Jay Strear