10 years. I can't believe it has been 10 years. It alternately shocks me and makes me feel old.
You don't realize how old you are until you get the reminders, the landmarks, the moments for which we measure our life.
Two years ago, on the eighth anniversary of 9/11, I wrote my story of the events that happened that day. My experiences. Oh my experiences in Jacksonville, Florida pale in comparison to my friends who were in NYC or the families who lost loved ones but it is my experience. A snapshot of what people across the country experienced. I won't recap it here but if you would like to read it, you are welcome to - 9/11 – 911 – Sept 11 – 11 Sept.
Today I am reflecting on the time that has passed, how the world has changed in the past 10 years. I am fortunate to be old enough to remember what travel was like before the terror attacks. I remember coming home from my trip to Israel in 1997 and being met by my mother, father, step-mother, brother, and grandmother at the gate. Standing there waiting for me to get off the plane. I ran into their arms, I was comforted by their presence. I remember how that all changed on September 12, 2001. I remember the terror in my friends' voices when they had to travel home that Thanksgiving, taking a plane for the first time since the attacks.
I really remember how we, as Americans came together in the days, weeks, months after the attacks. When people started caring about each other. When selfish Americans because caring and careFULL Americans. When we stopped thinking about money and success and grades and getting from point A to point B but ensured each other was safe, healthy, and cared for. Slowly that ebbed. Slowly, America came back to our middle point, our place where the Starbucks across the street is too far for me to travel, I need one right here. Or my sandwich isn't made right or you didn't answer the phone the way I like or your clothing isn't to my standards or I dislike you for no reason other than you are you and not me.We were still unique but we thought somewhat collectively. We all prayed for the safety of each other.
Today we face a different type of hardship. No one flew an airplane into an iconic building (baruch HaShem - thank G-d). The terrorist threat is minimal. We are vigilant and careful to protect our country. But financially and politically we are in a transitional space. A place where we have dueling priorities. Cut budgets, save money, but care for each other. We must recall that time when your first thought was to get your neighbor out of the burning building. We caring for each other trumped buying a new BMW.
I am thankful to have been alive and old enough to remember the lessons from 9/11. It was a scary and terrifying day... and weeks and months... But I learned so much that day. I learned how important the stranger, widow, orphan, and neighbor in our midst is. I learned that success isn't measured by the money I bring in or the car I drive or the clothes I wear... it's measured in the people I help, the goodwill I share with others, the gift of time I give to those who need it...
Deeper than reaching into your pocket is reaching into your heart.
This is the Kaddish, the mourner's prayer. The prayer we say everyday for one year after losing someone and then yearly on their anniversary of their death. Notice there is very little mention about death in this prayer. The Mourner's Kaddish is not for G-d but for us... a reminder of people and time long gone.
We glorify and sanctify G-d's great name throughout the world which G-d has created according to G-d's will. May G-d establish G-d's kingdom in our lifetime and during our days, and within the life of the entire House of Israel, speedily and soon; Amen.
May G-d's great name be blessed forever and to all eternity.
Blessed and praised, glorified and exalted, extolled and honored, adored and lauded be the name of the Holy One, beyond all the blessings and hymns, praises and consolations that are ever spoken in the world; Amen.
May there be abundant peace from heaven, and life, for us and for all Israel; Amen.
G-d who creates peace in G-d's celestial heights, may G-d create peace for us and for all Israel; Amen.