I do. But I have to make a concerted effort to recall the memories of gas shortage, lack of electrical power, and our collective fears over supplies of food. It felt to us then like the world was coming to an end. Today, we go about our lives as if hurricane Sandy never happened.
The one thing I do recall with clarity from that time are amazing words that a good friend of mine, an ophthalmologist, shared with me. After witnessing his medical office being completely destroyed by the terrible storm, he said that “tragedies could bring the worst in us or the best in us”. He mentioned that some of his colleagues took advantage of Sandy to try and ‘steal’ some of his patients. Other colleagues, though, offered him usage of their own medical offices so he could continue treating his patients.
COVID-19 is looking to be far more severe than Sandy. But this tragedy too, can bring out the best or the worst in us.
If we respond with this in mind, this can be a time for each of us to react in ways that are giving and kind. We can work to do something helpful and productive for those who are suffering, and act with altruism, and compassion. Just imagine what our communities could look like if we each asked ourselves to care for others in the way we have been caring for our selves and our families!
Be’ezrat HaShem “THIS TOO SHALL PASS” . And our actions will define the way we remember these days.
Be grateful to HaShem for the silver linings of this difficult time. If you are a parent or a grandparent be grateful that this virus, for which there is no vaccine yet, is thank God not affecting children to a great extent.
Above all pray to HaShem with special intensity: ask Him sincerely for the welfare of others. When you do that, you become a person of His interest, deserving God’s attention.
With prayers for a Refuah Shlema for all –
Yosef Bitton
In memory of “Sarina”, Sara Rut bat Ephraim Kalaty, z”l.
