Holding On to Hope
“My rainbow I have placed in the clouds, and it shall be for a sign of the covenant between Myself and the earth.”
Each year when we read Parashat Noach, I am reminded that rainbows appear only after the rain. The story of the flood is one of devastation and renewal—a reminder that even in our darkest moments, light can break through the clouds.
This week’s illustration—Genesis 9:13—and Rainbow Promise speaks to me differently in this moment. Written years ago, its plea for refuge from the deluge and for courage to face what lies ahead resonates deeply as I navigate my 31-year-old daughter Samantha’s recent diagnosis of stage 4 triple-negative breast cancer.
Prayer: Rainbow Promise
Eternal Source of Hope & Healing—
When the world we once knew seems a distant memory
and we are lost in darkness and discord—
Help us find refuge from the deluge.
When waves of fear and uncertainty threaten to engulf us,
and we feel broken and unmoored—
Grant us courage to face what lies ahead.
When we stand on the precipice of despair,
overcome by grief and weariness
and desperate for connection to Your light—
Bolster our bodies and strengthen our souls.
Open our hearts to possibility.
Inspire us to act with integrity and kindness.
Show us the glorious colors of Your rainbow—
the sign of Your covenant with all living creatures on the earth—
and renew our hope for a brighter tomorrow.
It can be hard to stay optimistic when someone you love gets a scary diagnosis. I believe in miracles, and I believe in the power of prayer, and yet I’m struggling to wrap my head around what’s happening.
“There are NO words“-
How do we learn to be comfortable with uncertainty, to keep hope in our hearts, and to welcome what is true for us in each unfolding moment?
It helps to know that we are not alone– that our friends, family and community walk beside us as we embark on this unwelcome journey. The piece below is one of the first things I did after Sam told me she had breast cancer. You are welcome — and encouraged– to share it.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month:
Over the past month, I’ve done a lot of research and was astonished to discover that individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish (Central or Eastern European) ancestry have a 1 in 40 chance of carrying a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation. This is at least a ten times greater probability than that of the non-Jewish population. In women it dramatically increases the risk of breast and ovarian cancers. In men, it increases the likelihood of colon, prostate and pancreatic cancer.
Knowing this information can save lives. If you or someone you love has Ashkenazi ancestry, please talk to your doctor about genetic testing. I share this not to frighten, but to empower—because I don’t want what is happening in our family to happen in others.
Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan: A Quiet Beginning
As we welcome the new month of Cheshvan, often called Mar Cheshvan (“bitter Cheshvan”) because it contains no festivals or holidays, we are invited to rest in stillness. After the spiritual intensity of Tishrei—with its cascade of celebrations from Rosh Hashanah through Simchat Torah—Cheshvan offers the gift of integration.
This quiet month reminds us that healing often happens in silence—one breath, one prayer, one act of love at a time.
Guided Journaling Questions
- When have you seen “rainbows” appear after personal storms in your own life?
- What helps you find refuge when the waters of fear or grief rise around you?
- How can you bring more kindness, color, or compassion into someone’s darkened world this week?
- As we enter Cheshvan, what part of you most needs rest, renewal, or quiet healing?
Creative Coloring:
For those who like to color, I am offering free coloring downloads. Click here to download.
Closing Blessing
May the colors of the rainbow remind you that hope endures.
May healing light surround all who are walking difficult paths.
And may this new month of Cheshvan bring gentle rains,
and the promise of brighter tomorrows.
I wish you strength and hope for a positive outcome