Preparing for a Storm - August 26, 2020

Carl shares thoughts as a storm approaches the Houston area.

Posted
November 8, 2020
blue umbrella with raindrops falling

Preparing for a Storm - August 26, 2020

Carl shares thoughts as a storm approaches the Houston area.

Posted
November 8, 2020
Alexander Jewish Family Service Friends,
Last night, as I was preparing to go to bed with thoughts of the approaching storm on my mind I was reminded of the Hashkiveinu prayer that is typically said in the evening. In this prayer, Jewish people pray for God to protect us beneath God’s sheltering wings.

 

Grant, O God, that we lie down in peace, and raise us up, our Guardian, to life renewed.
Spread over us the shelter of Your peace.
Guide us with Your good counsel; for Your Name’s sake, be our help.
Shield and shelter us beneath the shadow of Your wings.
Defend us against enemies,illness, war, famine and sorrow. Distance us from wrongdoing.
For You, God, watch over usand deliver us.
For You, God, are gracious and merciful. Guard our going and coming, to life and to peace evermore.

 

The image of God’s sheltering wings has always been closely associated for me with putting on my tallit (prayer shawl). After saying the blessing – and before putting on the tallit - there is a step where you raise t up above your head and wrap it around your head before settling it on your shoulders. Wrapped inside the tallit like this always felt to me like being under the sheltering wings of God’s presence. Here in this beautiful cocoon -the world around me briefly out of view - I always take a moment to share my most personal prayers. For me, this has always been a place of comfort and safety.
I hope that you are taking the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your family during the storm and that, whether you find comfort in prayer, in music, spending time with family, friends or your pets you find a way to plan for, and take care of, your emotional needs as well.Whether you have been through multiple storms before – or whether this is your first one – each experience is unique and it is important to pay attention to our physical and emotional reactions to the stress of events like this.
Be safe and please reach out and let us know how you are doing and whether you are in need of any assistance.
 
Take care,
Carl Josehart's signature
Carl E. Josehart, MSW (he/him/his)
Chief Operating Officer

Related Resources & News

A central location for you to be empowered with knowledge.