Our next guest is Rabbi Linda Shriner-Cahn, the first person I met when I entered the Academy for Jewish Religion. She became my chevruta partner. She is the rabbi of Tehila in Riverdale, NY where she is involved in many peace building activities. After a recent event she penned this poem:

Building bridges
Across the abyss of hate and mistrust
Lies believed
Truths untold

What does it take?
One step following another, then another  and another still

All the world paying close attention
That the bridge does not collapse
As we build slowly and carefully
getting to know one another
Building trust,
friendship and peace along the way

That is our prayer; that is our hope

That is my prayer too. It reminds me. On Rosh Hashanah morning I used this quote as a meditation before the Amidah: “Prayer cannot mend a broken bridge, rebuild a ruined city or bring water to parched fields. Prayer can mend a broken heart, lift up a discouraged soul and strengthen a weakened will. Those who rise from prayer better persons, their prayers are answered.” Let’s take those first steps together.