The core Jewish value of Tikkun Olam — Repair of the World— is ingrained in the fiber of our beings. We recognize that our world is a broken place– and are called to do what we can to heal the brokenness in ourselves and in the world. And during this incredibly challenging time in our lives, when the brokenness of our world seems to be spiraling out of control, it is especially important to hold sacred space for each other.
There are times of deep darkness, when we experience events so profoundly disturbing that there are no words to express the depth of our dismay. This piece, which I created in October 2023, feels especially relevant to share now.
In these heartbreaking moments, when the weight of loss after loss after loss becomes too great to bear alone, we can hold space for each other and mourn together. That is the power of community– we gain strength from being together.
This week’s Torah portion, Parashat Mishpatim, includes laws of justice and ethical responsibility, and offers a framework for what it means to hold space for one another. It teaches that justice is not only about law but about compassion, about seeing the humanity in others, about ensuring that no one is left vulnerable or alone in their suffering.
One of the commandments in this parasha instructs us:
“You shall not mistreat a stranger, nor shall you oppress them for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.” (Exodus 22:20)
For those who process things by putting pen to paper, here is a journaling page on this theme:
Finding Strength in One Another
Communal grief is not meant to be carried alone. When we hold space, we become part of the healing. We strengthen one another with presence, compassion, and care.
As we reflect on these questions, may we find strength in one another. May we embrace the power of presence. And may we continue to build a world where grief is met with compassion, and heartbreak is held with love.
Spark of Holiness
A Prayer for Parashat Mishpatim
Holy Source of Love and Life,
Make love the lens through which we view the world.
Enable us to see promise instead of limitation
and beauty instead of imperfection.
Fill our hearts with love
so there isn’t room for fear or negativity.
Allow us to see the unlimited potential in everyone we meet
and look beyond someone’s character flaws
to the spark of holiness inside their soul.
Let love envelop us.
Let love connect and consecrate us.
Let love flow through us and make us whole.
Please Share Your Thoughts
I would love to hear what’s on your minds and in your hearts. What would you like to see in future blog posts? I invite you to leave a comment or send me a note—and you are welcome to share this blog and invite others to subscribe to my newsletter: www.JoanneFinkJudaica.com.
Chazak, Chazak, v’Nitchazek—May we be strong, and may we strengthen one another.
L’shalom,
Joanne
Joanne,
I know your writing and your painting, drawing, and calligraphy and yet your words always inspire, impress, and help remind me to pause and reflect. Most powerfully is that you have elevated journaling to a form higher than mindfulness, higher than reflection, higher than a million selling book, higher than prayer… your journaling pages here, and elsewhere, elevate the process to touch the deepest parts of my soul and my spirit – in part because you make it so easily accessible and personal – you give me the opportunity to take my time – to journal when I am ready and you bring words to help me get ready to journal. And the prompts – the art, the calligraphy, the cues, the images, the swirls, all of it – are written with global intent yet nuanced so well that I feel like you designed it and wrote it and guided it just for me…so personally.
Thank you for such evocative images and words and opportunities for me to find my own.
I love this blog – look forward to everything you offer – you are a gift you are a blessing.
That your lettering of “The world is a little more broken today “ is not done in your normal beautiful calligraphy, but in a broken, awkward hand – that is one of the most powerful pieces I have seen. Thank you for your courage, vulnerability and generosity.