Once again this week I feel called to start my blog with a prayer for Israel:
A Prayer for Israel in a Time of Crisis
© June 2025, Joanne Fink
Holy One, Source of Protection,
We turn to You in this moment of uncertainty—
as rockets rain down, sirens wail,
and families seek shelter in safe rooms—
praying for Israel and the safety and security of its citizens.
We pray for the soldiers and emergency personnel
risking their lives to protect others.
Grant them courage and clarity as they carry
the weight of national security on their shoulders.
We pray that the Iron Dome will hold,
providing protection for our most vulnerable—
both institutions and individuals.
We pray for the 40,000 travelers stranded in Israel
because the skies are closed and flights are canceled.
May they find safe lodging, sustenance, and support
as they wait to return to their homes.
We pray for the Israeli citizens stuck abroad,
cut off from their families in this time of crisis.
Ease their worry. Watch over their loved ones
until they can be together again.
We pray for all innocent civilians throughout the Middle East
who are caught in the crossfire of conflict.
Protect those who seek only to live in peace—
regardless of nationality, faith, or language.
We pray for the people of Iran,
who yearn to be free from oppression and tyranny.
Strengthen their spirits.
Grant them safety, dignity, and the power to rise.
We pray for the Jewish community, connected by ancestry and history.
Bless us with the ability to work together—
to offer sustenance and support,
and to help bring an end to this era of rising antisemitism.
Source of Goodness,
shine Your healing light on us,
on those in Israel we hold in our hearts,
and on all those impacted by violence and war.
Shelter us. Shield us. Show us the path to peace.
Parashat Shelach
This week’s Torah portion, Parashat Shelach, tells the story of the twelve scouts sent to explore the Promised Land. They return with a split report—ten are overwhelmed by fear, while two see possibility and potential. It’s a story of perspective, uncertainty, and the choices we make in response to the unknown.
We, too, are navigating uncertain terrain.
Whether it’s personal struggles or global upheaval, we are all learning how to hold steady when the path ahead feels unclear. The Israelites stood on the edge of a land flowing with milk and honey—yet fear clouded their vision. How often does fear prevent us from being present and recognizing the blessing of this moment?
Here’s my prayer for this week’s parasha:
Elevated Intention
A Prayer for Parashat Shelach
© Joanne Fink
O God, Creator of the Covenant,
deploy me in Your service!
Guide my footsteps
as I continue my journey.
Lead me towards awareness,
purpose, and connection.
Help me grow in devotion,
faith, and gratitude.
Bless me with the maturity
to respond rather than react,
the ability to make wise choices,
and the desire to use my innate gifts
to make a difference in the world.
Sanctify my intention
to elevate all I say and do,
so that I may be a conduit of
hope, healing, and holiness—
and a source of unending love.
Holding on to Hope
During times of great uncertainty it is essential to hold on to hope. “Hope is the candle that continues to burn even when we are lost in the dark.”
Hope is not about ignoring hardship. It is about choosing to trust that we have the ability to cope with whatever the future holds. It is the ability to believe– during the darkest times of our lives– that the light will one day shine again. Hope allows us to show up for one another—with compassion, courage, and love.
Coping with Uncertainty
On a recent journal page, I wrote:
We wait… uncertain of what will unfold.
We must find strength in community, in resilience,
in surrendering our individual needs
to flow into the greater community.
This message feels especially relevant in light of today’s headlines. In moments of grief and fear, connection and communal strength are what sustain us.
10 Tools for Challenging Times
I first shared these 10 Tools in February for Parashat Yitro, a parasha about receiving wisdom and creating structure. But in the shadow of Parashat Shelach, they take on a different resonance: these are the tools that help us move forward even when we feel afraid, uncertain, or overwhelmed.
I’ve added journaling questions to each of the 10 tools to help support your reflections this week.
1. Find strength in community
Showing up for others matters– we are stronger together. Remember– you are not alone. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
Journaling Questions: Who can you lean on when life feels overwhelming?
How might you strengthen your connection to your community this week?
2. Open your heart to possibility
Fear narrows our vision; hope expands it. Practice looking at things from multiple perspectives; it can help you stay open to possibility.
Journaling Questions: What fear or negative belief might be closing your heart right now?
What would change if you gave yourself permission to hope for a positive outcome?
3. Hold onto hope
Even when the road ahead is unclear, hope keeps us moving forward.
Journaling Questions: What helps you hold onto hope when you’re feeling discouraged?
When was the last time you felt a spark of hope—no matter how small?
4. Extend a helping hand
When you support others, you also strengthen yourself.
Journaling Questions: Who in your life might benefit from a small act of kindness or support today? How do you feel when you show up for others?
5. Strive to make a difference
Every act of kindness matters. What you do and say can provide the inspiration someone needs to continue their journey.
Journaling Questions: What cause or issue is calling to your heart right now?
What is one small way you can make a difference this week?
6. Keep going
Every challenge is an opportunity for soul growth. One breath at a time, one step at a time, one day at a time. Even small movements strengthen our resiliency muscles.
Journaling Questions: What keeps you going when things get hard?
What would it look like to honor your perseverance—even if you feel stuck?
7. Rest, reflect, and recharge
Taking time to rest is not a luxury—it’s essential to our well-being. Even God rested.
Journaling Questions: When was the last time you truly rested?
What helps you feel replenished—body, mind, and spirit?
8. Show up as your best self
Don’t be afraid to show up and shine your light. You are more than enough exactly the way you are.
Journaling Questions: How do you define your “best self”?
What might help you align more fully with that version of yourself today?
9. Respond from a place of love
Practice pausing so you can respond from a place of love rather than react from a place of fear. Love is the strongest force in the universe– tap into it!
Journaling Questions: Think of a recent situation that triggered you—how else might you have responded? What helps you stay grounded in gratitude and compassion when you’re under stress?
10. Be a light in the darkness
Your presence, your voice, your care—they shine. Never underestimate your light.
Journaling Questions: Where in your life—or in the world—do you sense darkness right now?
What’s one way you can bring light to that space?
Closing Blessing
May you live each day with hope in your heart.
May the light within you shine brightly—
illuminating the path forward for yourself and others.
And may we, together, become vessels of healing and holiness
in a world that longs for both.