A Blessing for This Moment
May God bless you and keep you.
May God shine light upon you and be gracious to you.
May God lift up God’s face to you and give you peace.
—Numbers 6:24–26
This ancient blessing appears in this week’s Torah portion, Naso, and it feels like exactly what we need right now.
There is a lot of fear in the Jewish community. The recent shooting in DC. The targeted attacks in Boulder. The threats that seem to grow louder each week. Many of us are holding a quiet, constant anxiety—not always visible, but always present.
And yet, we return to these words.
A blessing for protection.
A blessing for grace.
A blessing for peace.
The power of this blessing is not that it shields us from harm—but that it reminds us we are not alone. We are part of something ancient, something resilient. These words have been spoken for generations, across time and space, whispered over children, chanted in synagogues, offered at moments of transition and uncertainty.
But we must also be honest: fear doesn’t always bring out the best in us. Historically, when American Jews are afraid, it often becomes less safe for Black and Brown Jews within our own communities. Fear can narrow our vision, leading some to question who belongs and cast suspicion on those who look or pray differently.
This week, may we carry these words with us. May they be a balm to the fear. May they help us hold each other a little closer. May they remind us that even in times of fear, we are still capable of blessing—of giving and receiving peace. And may we remember that the peace we pray for must include all of us.
Wishing you safety, strength, and shalom,
Rabbi Sandra
Thank you Sandra. I found comfort in your post. I feel afraid a lot of the time, in part due to my struggle with OCD, and in part due to the times we're in. I really appreciate your lifting up this message of Torah that seeks blessings for safety and peace.
Beautiful. Thnak you.