Rabbi Howard Morrison, Beth Emeth Bais Yehuda Synagogue

One of my favourite Hebrew songs goes as follows: "Kol Ha'Olam Kulo Gesher Tzar M'od. V'Ha'Ikar Lo L'Fached Klal - The entire world is a narrow bridge. The essential thing is not to fear at all."

For those who do not know the music, I encourage you to go on line, hear the melody, and learn it for yourself. The Hebrew in song form is more powerful and meaningful than a mere English translation.

If there were ever a time when the world was truly a narrow bridge, now is that time.All humanity is united through the plague of Covid-19. No one in the world is exempt. No place in the world is untouched.

The second part of the song is our challenge, hope, and inspiration - "The essential thing is not to fear at all." Many individuals on their own are fearful about the changes taking place in society regarding health, economy,employment, watching and educating children, and more.

To combat anxiety about the present and unforeseeable future, we need the presence of a spiritual, empathetic, and caring community. In many synagogues, volunteer Chesed committees are calling and assisting hundreds and hundreds of people. In addition, rabbis and synagogues are reaching out with davening, music, Divrei Torah, and topical learning.

After the Second Temple was destroyed, and the ritual sacrifices could no longer be brought, it was determined that one would find atonement by performing acts of "Chesed - Loving kindness."

I hope and pray that religious and educational outreach efforts along with individual people's own sense of goodness will keep our community spiritually and emotionally strong as we walk on a narrow bridge together into the world of the unknown.

Be safe.Be healthy. Be well. Better days are coming.

I wish everyone Chag Kasher VSameach.