New Orleanians and our proud neighbors, we salute you! Your human grandeur and your decency, your character and your faithful perseverance have far surpassed the example of those upon whom we all counted to be our leaders. All in all, few of us have been other than stalwart and people of integrity.
In the wake of Katrina, the ongoing religious question has not been “Why” but “What shall we do?” And in churches, synagogues and mosques, along with fervent prayers for the victims, the injured and the bereaved, the response has been one of heroic labor, and generous relief and determined future.
Many of the faithful still wonder, “Why, dear God?” But really, isn’t the only worthy response to that question the summons to embrace our duty:
… to help the afflicted
… to comfort the heartsick
… to heal the injured
… and to bring hope to those who have lost their way in the world.
In that way, we will, as the Prophet Isaiah puts it, become “the rebuilders of the ruins, the restorers of paths to dwell in.”
The Chasidic Sage of the 18th Century, Rabbi Israel of Rishem, reminds us that life really comes down to a continual search for a nightlight that will not fail. Rabbi Israel tells the story of a traveler who loses his way in the forest. It is dark and, naturally, he is afraid. He senses danger behind every tree. A storm shatters the silence, but when it does, says the sage:
The fool among us can see nothing but the
lightning. However, the wise one notes
carefully not the lightning but the road
that now lies illuminated before him.
We see that road. Not only that, we are well along the way toward a better New Orleans for all of her proud and beautiful people.
Rabbi Edward Paul Cohn
Congregation Temple Sinai
August 20, 2009
Hope, such a small word with mighty power. I’ve never been to this website, but I am familiar with Rabbi Ed Cohn. And when ever his name appears I am always interested in his message. Rabbi Cohn and I met in 2001 when he married my beautiful daughter-in-law and son at Temple Sinai. His quiet wisdom is healing, and although I haven’t seen since Hurricane Katrina, I’ve thought of him from time to time, especially during the difficulty aftermath of the hurricane. So I want you to know Rabbi Cohn, you’ve been my hope and I thank you for seeing the truth and goodness in our city and its people.
I am not Jewish, but I am the proud mother, mother-in-law and grandmother of my Jewish son’s family.
Thank you
I second (third?) the appreciative comments. This is an inspiring reflection, made all the more inspiring because we know the writer not only talks the talk but walks the walk. Bravo.
As a Christian, I have always loved the writing and preaching of Rabbi Cohn. His words, compassion and insights always comfort and inspire me. It is a privilege to have this great man in our community. He is truly a loving spiritual leader for us all.
I marvel at Rabbi Cohen’s gentle yet powerful words. He provides calm comfort, but powerful inspiration. We as people, and especially Jews, should never again feel like victims, but survivors who should not only rise above adversary, but lend a hand to those around us as well. Thank you Rabbi Cohen for your inspiration.