Witness: A Simple (sort of) Practice for These Times

These are very difficult times. Our hearts are torn by the massive violence in war zones around the world – 30, I heard someone say yesterday. The Russian invasion of Ukraine and the mutual killings in Israel and Gaza hold my attention now. So many share responsibility for the carnage – political leaders, citizens, movements, systems, and the many who have nurtured these ancient conflicts for generations.  Our immediate response is usually to ask, “Who is right?” And then, “Whom shall I support?” We want to assign guilt.

We have joined the battle.

Try this: Be the witness. As best you can, abstain from judgment. Back up, breathe gently, and again, as best you can, open and look with the eyes of your heart. Recognize the terrible suffering of everyone. I mean, everyone. Try to keep a steady, open-hearted stance. Acknowledge the profound suffering of all in harm’s way. If you wish, send calm, safety, and the end of violence. If you are a person who prays, this is your moment. Let your tears fall, for all of us.

I close with a poem/prayer by Rabbi Sheila Weinberg, of Philadelphia.

Two peoples, one land,
Three faiths, one root,
One earth, one mother,
One sky, one beginning, one future, one destiny, One broken heart, One God.
We pray to You: Grant us a vision of unity. May we see the many in the one
and the one in the many.
May you, Life of All the Worlds,
Source of All Amazing Differences
help us to see clearly.
Guide us gently and firmly toward each other, toward peace.