Pineridge Blog

The candlelight vigil in Pittsburgh last Saturday night outside the Tree of Life Synagogue, was not just a hastily called event at the scene of a horrendous crime. Certainly many mourners came to express horror and grief after the worse attack on American Jews in history. But the vigil was enfolded in Havdalah, the traditional observation of the end of the Sabbath. The service includes Isaiah’s words, “Behold, God is my savior, I will trust God and not be afraid.” You may have noticed the unu-sual candles. Havdalah candles are unique, made of six tall, thin candles braided together, which share one flame. They symbolize the mundane and the holy six days of creation and the one light of God.

On August 21st, 1790, President George Washington wrote a letter to Hebrew congregation of Newport, Rhode Island express-ing assurance that the newly formed United States would accord respect and tolerance to all of its citizens. President Washington letter closes with words inspired by the Hebrew prophet Micah, “May the children of the Stock of Abraham, who dwell in this land, continue to merit and enjoy the good will of the other Inhabitants; while every one shall sit in safety under his own vine and figtree, and there shall be none to make him afraid. May the father of all mercies scatter light and not darkness in our paths, and make us all in our several vocations useful here, and in his own due time and way everlastingly happy.”

Jews, Muslims and Christians can all trace spiritual ancestry to Abraham. I can think of no better reflection of the American character than the image of all dwelling in safety, each under their, “own vine and figtree.” Each child of Abraham valued in their own contributions to the larger community with “none to make them afraid.”
May we join in the prayer of Washington for unity and peace symbolized by the Havdala candle. May we be braided together as one who share one light.

As the Gospel writer John promises of the Word, the bringer of life, “and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.”

Jim