Reflections on 2023

It was the best of times it was the worst of times..... sorry for the cliche but it really works

In the first moments of 2023, I found myself in Ben Gurion Airport, having just concluded a 10-day Birthright trip. It was an exhilarating trip and a perfect way to usher in the new year, leaving me genuinely excited about what lay ahead.

Here’s our slightly dysfunctional countdown in the terminal waiting to board our flight:

Personally, 2023 was a remarkable year in many respects.

• My passion for my job and the rewarding work with my students at Hillel continued to flourish. Witnessing the steady growth of our efforts on campus brought me immense pride.

• After years of nurturing the dream, I finally started grad school. The challenges it presented caught me off guard, yet every moment has been a fulfilling learning experience.

• I spent a lot of time with my friends —both in person and online. We had many moments filled with laughter, tears, and unwavering support for each other. I am so lucky in the friends department. From old friendships, to brand new relationships, I can count on so many for support and love.

• Watching my children evolve into remarkable young men was a great source of joy. One of my sons even attained the esteemed title of Rabbi this year, a proud moment for a Jewish mom! As my youngest started his Yeshiva journey, it marked a new chapter for me and Boruch as empty nesters!

• Travel was a significant part of my year—a mosaic of experiences across Israel, New York, Dallas, DC, Kansas, Italy, France, and England. Finally, fulfilling lifelong dreams of visiting Tuscany, Rome, and Paris, each leaving an indelible mark on my soul.

• I read great books and watched some wonderful films.

• I even enjoyed the podcast and roasting Yael whenever possible. 

• I focused on my health, which ushered in a transformative lifestyle change.

Reflecting on these blessings, I'm reminded of the incredible fortune that shapes my life.

Here we are 3 weeks ago at the holiest place on earth- the Western Wall (I had to add that because Yael wouldn’t know):

Yet, October 7th.

How do I reconcile these moments of profound gratitude with the harsh reality facing the Jewish community? Can one comprehend a life teeming with blessings amidst the turmoil of pain, anxiety, worry, sadness, and anger? I find myself straddling two realities.

Living between these two realities has become my daily tightrope walk, each step intimately intertwined with the contrasting experiences of my personal life and the broader context of the Jewish community. In my own world, there's an overflow of joy and fulfillment but beneath this, a different narrative exists, one that's etched with the shared struggles of the Jewish people—a story of suffering, anxiety, and an unyielding sense of communal distress.

It's a daily emotional tug-of-war. While I revel in my personal blessings, there's an ache within, a deep sense of responsibility towards my community. This tugs at my heartstrings. I can’t ignore the collective pain of the Jewish people. JEWISH PAIN IS MY PAIN. I stand at the intersection of gratitude and heartache, a reminder that my personal happiness is inseparable from the shared struggles of the Jewish people.

I’m not sure how I want to end this piece. Of course I want 2024 to be better. I want the hostages released. I want Hamas to end. I want the war to end. As a good friend likes to say “yada yada yada.” Here’s what chatGPT wrote when I asked it for a final paragraph:

ChatGPT

As I stand on the precipice of a new year, the echoes of 2023 reverberate within me, woven from the fabric of contrasting realities. The duality of this year has been profound—an intricate tapestry where moments of triumph danced alongside the shadows of adversity. Living in these parallel worlds, one filled with jubilant victories and the other shadowed by daunting challenges, has been a journey of resilience and growth. Navigating the peaks and valleys of these two realms has taught me that embracing both the light and darkness is not a battle to be won, but a delicate harmony to be orchestrated—a symphony of experiences that shape our existence and illuminate the path forward. As I bid farewell to this chapter, I carry with me the lessons learned, the strength gained, and an unwavering hope that in the fusion of these divergent realities lies the essence of a richer, more profound life.

MAY 2024 BE BETTER.

Love,

ChayaLeah