Social Distancing, Not Social Isolation

While we are living in a critical time of “social distancing,” we NEED NOT BE in a time of social isolation. We are physically separated but we can have many social connections.

You may be reading this blogpost on your computer or smartphone—let us give thanks that we are privileged to have this technology which so many vulnerable people lack.

Many of us have mobile technology and communication software (like Zoom or Skype) which provide us with opportunities for dates, meetings, check-ins, social hours and even dinner—let us be grateful for these platforms/services which allow us to meet.

We can also reach out (especially to those who are unable for various reasons to connect through technology) with notes, cards, letters, and messages. Once, not so long ago, there was an art to letter writing. Sharing poems, writing notes,and sending expressions of care and thoughtfulness have changed over the past years, but perhaps that only serves to make them more meaningful today.

Sometimes we will feel isolated and lonely. Yet while we are not able to embrace friends and loved ones, we are embraced by G!D’s Presence and sustaining love. While we cannot breathe on anyone, we know that G!D breathes life and hope into us. While we cannot physically comfort others, we know that G!D surrounds us eternally offering comfort. With these assurances, we know too that we share in “Tikkun Olam,” G!D’s redemptive work for us and all creation. G!D’s Presence permeates the world and connects all of creation to G!D.

Sometimes we will feel isolated and lonely. But we are never separated, distanced, excluded, or removed from G!D’s embracing Healing and Love.

While we certainly wish we could meet in person, let us be grateful that we can help “flatten the curve” and join together across great distances by making use of technology and sharing in virtual community and support.

Let us nourish our hearts and sustain our souls during these unprecedented times.

I’ll close by saying that I continue to pray for your health and safety, as well as your own social solidarity in response to this necessary social distancing, and appreciate all you are doing and will be doing to reach out and uplift others.

Rav Gaylia
Rabbi Emerita

The following was written by Paul Williams

When you go out and see the empty streets, the empty stadiums, the empty train platforms, don’t say to yourself, “It looks like the end of the world.” What you’re seeing is love in action. What you’re seeing, in that negative space, is how much we do care for each other, for our grandparents, for our immuno-compromised brothers and sisters, for people we will never meet.

People will lose their jobs over this. Some will lose their businesses. And some will lose their lives. All the more reason to take a moment, when you’re out on your walk, or on your way to the store, or just watching the news, to look into the emptiness and marvel at all of that love. 

Let it fill you and sustain you.  

It isn’t the end of the world. 

It is the most remarkable act of solidarity we may ever witness.