In the Book of Psalms we read, “Give thanks to HaShem, the Divine, who is goodness. Divine loving kindness goes on forever!” הֹדוּ לַה׳ כִּי טוֹב, כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ
It’s hard to hold this image of divinity when we read the headlines and see the pictures of whole neighborhoods destroyed by wildfire or warfare. Let’s consider the polytheistic wisdom of Hinduism which offers the Trimurti, a triad of deities (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva) who together are responsible for the creation, preservation and destruction of and in our world, each divine character with its role. This is perhaps easier for the religious imagination than the Jewish idea that one supreme being/consciousness/force is responsible for the whole cycle, the full tumult of life on earth. Why would a creative, generous being, who cares for us and keeps the world twirling on its axis, also allow such suffering?
I recently read a fascinating article suggesting that the roots of our Chanukah ritual may go back to Zoroastrianism in ancient Persia, a dualistic tradition involving fire rituals. “Zoroastrians have a particularly strong relationship with fire, which they see as a focus for ritual and contemplation. The ancient flames they tend are called Atash Bahrams, which means ‘victorious fire’. The fires are not worshipped, but when standing nearby, believers feel they are in the presence of the deity Ahura Mazdā.” (The Fire That Never Goes Out)
It’s been important to me to own a wood burning stove with a window for viewing the fire. I keep in mind that the gentle, dancing flames that bring me warmth and delight are close relatives of devastating flames that can form racing walls of fire consuming everything in their path, seeming to embody a wrathful, pitiless deity.
But if God is Goodness and we are godlike, we must be so in our goodness. And one path always open to us is gemilut chasadim (deeds of lovingkindness) and tzedakah (generosity).
I encourage you all to reach out to your friends who have people affected by the Los Angeles fires. I know of one member whose childhood synagogue was destroyed and another whose parents lost their home. I’m sure there will be more of us impacted by this tragedy.
If you are able to give tzedakah, please consider Wildfire Crisis Relief – Jewish Federation Los Angeles.
Even while the fires still are burning, I urge you to find moments of shabbat menucha, deep rest and rejuvenation. By taking care of our spirits and souls, we become stronger citizens, more able to care for one another.
Shabbat shalom,
Rabbi Naomi