Are THEY making the right decisions?! Are THEY failing us?!
As we are all endlessly refreshing the news to get the minute-by-minute updates, people are discussing and judging whether the decisions of those in positions of leadership are the smartest, best timed, is the tone too soft or too harsh.
I have a different question: Are WE failing THEM?
By ‘them’ – I’m referring to our youth, who for the first time in their lives are watching closely how grown adults respond to a situation that is greatly challenging and turns our plans and lives upside down.
Do we bicker, blame and grab; or, in addition to taking every precaution advised by the health experts, do we humbly and calmly accept the reality that as humans, we are always fragile, we do what we need and put our faith in Hashem to take care of the rest.
Are we able to maintain our composure, show sensitivity and care to a neighbor or a stranger, in addition to fending for ourselves?
If we go through this challenge out of a place of inner strength you will have built up your spiritual immune system and those of our fragile youth who look up to you, to better tackle the challenges that come their way, when COVID-19 will be just a distant memory.
As one rabbi put it: Wash your hands well. And when you do, pause to remember in who's hands you are in!