Not only are my grandparents Holocaust survivors, many of my teachers in yeshiva were as well. I’ve also been, from a very young age, an avid reader of Holocaust literature. So I will concede that growing up in that environment influenced me. I know, however, that my fears are based not on mere imagination but on what is happening all around us.
Recognizing the dangers we face and wanting to fight back in a manner true to our legacy, I turn to you, Rebbetzin, because I know you are one person who refuses to see the world through rose-colored glasses.
Again I ask, what does loving-kindness really mean? When I brought up this question to a friend, she laughed: “What are you talking about? Why would you even ask that? Don’t you know that American Jews are the most charitable people in history?”
I do know that, but I believe it’s one thing to write a check and another thing entirely to extend loving-kindness to others on a one-to-one basis.
I would appreciate your advice on how we can incorporate loving-kindness into our daily lives.
I would also love some tips to help make my prayers soar and elevate my heart.
There is so much craziness in our world, so much anger and bitterness, jealousy and falsehood. I would like to believe that Am Yisrael can rise above that by living up to our legacy of loving-kindness and prayer – if only more of us knew how to do so in a practical, everyday manner.
Please respond to my questions. I think all your readers would be grateful to read more of your thoughts on this.