The moments that test our humanity have a way of returning.
In the spring of 2020, as images of separated families and children in cages pierced our collective consciousness, something beautiful emerged alongside the heartbreak. Voices rose from every corner of our communities—neighbors, friends, strangers —all refusing to let cruelty masquerade as policy.
In that dark moment, I found myself deeply moved by the groundswell of compassion and offered a blessing to everyone who chose to speak truth to power.
What sustained me then, and what sustains me now, was the courage of those who speak up—it was also the reminder that goodness multiplies when we witness it in each other. That ordinary people, faced with extraordinary injustice, will choose love over fear, again and again.
Here we are once more, called to be that light for one another. And so, with the same hope that carried me through before, I offer this blessing again, especially on the eve of marching in the streets. We march for justice, for democracy, and for compassion:
Bless you for showing up
day after day
Even when you have a pit in your stomach or
a knot in your throat
Even when you nearly lose faith
Or fear the worst.
Bless you for continuing to have faith
in the seen and the unseen,
For believing in the good and
For fighting for justice & equality for all
Bless you for facing the darkness
and bringing light,
For choosing kindness and
reaching out to others who are suffering
Bless you for cleaving to your ideals
for welcoming the stranger
clothing the homeless
feeding the hungry and
protecting the children
For keeping the Statue of Liberty in your consciousness
day after day.
Bless you for SHOWING UP
when you are discouraged and feel defeated
Bless you for SPEAKING out
in the face of relentless assaults on human dignity
Bless you for MARCHING
Bless you for taking breaks,
Practicing necessary self-care, and
Trusting that others in the far-flung community
Of righteous souls will carry the burden
while you rejuvenate.
Amen
Rabbi Jill Zimmerman
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