An Unexpected Ray of Light
by Rabbi David Woznica
I recently spoke with a man scheduled to undergo surgery. He was hopeful the surgery would be a complete success but realized the outcome was uncertain. If the cancer had spread, the prognosis would be poor. With his encouragement, I included him in my prayers.
He was optimistic. He was scared. He, like many others who have confronted a serious health threat, at times felt somewhat alone.
And yet, something unexpected and good emerged. A family member with whom there had been great strain, indeed almost estrangement, reached out to arrange a visit as soon as he would be well enough.
His spirits were lifted. Already, from this darkness had come some light.
There are times life gives us a difficult river to cross and, along the way, we find unexpected tributaries to keep us afloat. As we reflect on this year of pandemic and lockdown, each of us should take note of the challenges we faced as well as any surprising sources of strength.
There’s another lesson. While life brings trying and yes, dark times, we don’t have to wait for those times to create light. In fact, don’t wait for those moments. Bring the light whenever you can. If there’s a relationship that is fractured, and you wish to repair it, why wait? Why not reach out today?
The Torah records God’s very first words: Let there be light. (Genesis 1:3) God then separated the light from the darkness on earth.
On Passover, after the Israelites experienced generations of slavery, God liberated us from the darkness of Egypt and brought light to our world.
As God brought light to our world and our People, may we bring light to one another.
Best wishes for a sweet, meaningful, and kosher Passover.
Read more from the Wise clergy and congregants in What We Carry Forward, Wise’s 2021 Haggadah supplement.
