This week, my mind has been busy. All human life is relevant, important and this conflict is deep and complicated. And so, I am trying to sort through how I feel personally, how I can stay consistent and grounded for my children and how I can expand my mind - and build roots here which are clear, yet nuanced.
As someone who is constantly thinking about words and messages, there is one word that continues to reverberate in my mind... Bravery.
For my family and I, Monday was a day to celebrate our ability to live happily in Jerusalem. However, given the rising tensions in the area, my husband and I decided to celebrate the day modestly with dinner in the park. The events which bookmarked this simple celebration will remain forever in mind.
On Monday, my son plays soccer after school. This past week, he and I enjoyed a popsicle as we walked to the field. As we approached, he said, "Mommy, soccer "chug" (activity) is hard for me because I am usually tired and it's so hard to move my legs when I am tired." "Do you like soccer?" I asked. He answered, "Yes. I love it. I am just tired." Once we arrived and he cooled down, I asked him if he knew what makes someone brave. He shrugged. I continued, "...one definition of bravery is doing something you know you should, even though it's hard." I shared that there are times I call myself brave, just to find the courage to do something I am hesitant to try. This definition of bravery connected and as he ran off to the field with a smile, he said "soccer helps me get strong."
Fast forward 2 hours and my friend and I were with our children in the park. The siren began and we couldn't identify the sound. We knew it sounded different than an ambulance - but beyond that, we were clueless. I checked my watch - as if I expected someone to text me "yes...the sound you hear is a warning siren." Apparently, logic dissipates in times like these. My husband, who had left us about 10 minutes earlier called frantically: "It's a siren. It's a rocket. Find cover." I yelled to my friend and we ran - after which I don't recall the details...only the image of running to safety and my friend ahead of me, with a child in each arm. I was terrified. The kids were terrified. Once we had found safety, huddled behind the backside of a short stone wall, I turned to my son, and his siblings, and asked them to be brave. And under my breath, I demanded bravery from myself as well.
We heard the boom in the sky, felt thankful we were protected AND bravery took on a new meaning.
Prior to Monday afternoon, bravery meant something simple for my family and I. It helped my son participate in an activity. It helped my daughter go to school on a day she wasn't feeling sure of herself. It helped me launch a website. But this week, for me, the word transformed.
I am a Jewish woman, raising her family in Israel. I pray for peace, safety and understanding ... for everyone. And most importantly, I pray for the day when bravery can be as simple as playing soccer when we are tired.
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