Gratitude and Prayer

War puts the blessings of a regular life into focus.

Here are the things I have renewed gratitude for today:

Waking up in the morning naturally. Not from a blaring noise indicating d*nger.

Going about your morning and actually being able to accomplish your chores or plans.

Going to sleep knowing it's safe to close your eyes. That you may actually get to sleep through the whole night if your body and household allow you.

Going to the supermarket and there is food there. Bringing it home and cooking it, knowing that likely you won't have to abandon it, run for your life, and ruin it.

Arguing over normal things; did you do the laundry? Why are there dishes in the sink? Instead of emergency plans.

Driving without scanning the sky. Knowing that you'll likely get to your destination without having to get out of the car and get on the ground and cover your head to protect yourself from b*llisitc m*ssiles (as if that will help).

Feeling secure to get a cup of coffee with a friend. Without worrying about where the closest shelter is.

Reading a book, not just the headlines.

Feeling comfortable putting headphones in your ears, and not that you need to be on high alert all the time.

Catching up with your neighbor on the street, and not in the shelter.

Returning to shul. Not davening in small groups in parking lots outside your apartment building or alone at home.

Holding your children without needing to feel like you are shielding them. A hug for affection's sake.

Kids going to school on the bus that's running, texting you they got to school safely and didn't have to find shelter on the way. Seeing people waiting at bus stops.

Backpacks instead of go-bags.

Parks full of happy children.

Going to the mall because stores are open.

Eating a Shabbat meal in peace. Not having to pack it into containers to bring into the B*mb shelter with you when the sirens go off.

Being able to go back to work. Supporting your family. Being productive and able to do what you are good at doing.

Babies being born in labor and delivery rooms, not underground parking lots.

The sounds of Hebrew, Arabic, Russian, English, & French in the streets. Kids playing ball and practicing their musical instruments out their open windows.

Sunrises that feel like a gift, not a countdown.

The sight of Jerusalem, still standing.

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What I'm still praying for:

For every soul still captive to come home.

For the families who sleep in grief and wake in hope.

For the world not to forget them as the headlines move on.

For the families of the fallen soldiers and civilians alike.

For the parents, siblings, and spouses shattered by loss.

For the soldiers, their safety, clarity, and strength.

For moral courage in impossible moments.

For them to return home whole, in body and soul.

For healing of burns, fractures, and invisible wounds.

For recovery that restores dignity.

For those relearning how to walk, speak, or believe again.

For every child who has seen too much.

For families rebuilding from rubble and trauma.

For decisions rooted in justice, not ego.

For policies that prioritize people, not power.

For safety in New York, Paris, Johannesburg, Toronto.

For strength to stand visibly as Jews.

For unity among ourselves, even when we disagree.

For the ability to pray again, without rage or numbness.

For the will to hope, even when we are tired.

For the belief that redemption is still on its way.