By Rabbi Dr. Bernhard Rosenberg
EDISON, New Jersey — It was the great thinker and philosopher, Yogi Berra, who once said: “It’s tough to make predictions – especially about the future.”
Yogi was right! The future is hard to predict. But one thing I can tell you: it’s our responsibility as citizens of the world to continuously hope for a better future. Our world is filled with prophets of doom and they are especially to be found in the Jewish world where many who should know better see a dark cloud for the future of American Jewry, European Jewry and the Jews of Israel. The danger is that all of these can turn into self-fulfilling prophecies.
Entering Passover many of us felt depressed. COVID-19 has clouded our lives with sorrow. Some feel angry with the world. Many are unemployed and too many are seeking someone to love or find someone to love them. My thoughts are with those who have health problems. When down in the dumps I turn to black Holocaust humor and say to myself, that at least I am not in Auschwitz. This has gotten me through many difficult periods.
If you are depressed please seek help. This is not the past when people were ashamed to ask for help. Finding one true friend is almost as difficult as the splitting of the Red Sea. If you have a loving spouse, thank G-d. If you are divorced or single go on JDate or any reputable site. Do not sit at home alone. Take a class or join a group of volunteers. I share this to let you know that you are not alone and there are many people out there in the same situation. If you know of jobs call someone who needs one. If you can not find a job, consider starting your own business.
*
Rabbi Dr. Bernhard H. Rosenberg is rabbi emeritus of Congregation Beth-El in Edison, New Jersey and is the author of Theological and Halachich Reflections on the Holocaust, among other books. He serves on the New Jersey State Holocaust Commission and chairs the Holocaust Commission of the New York Board of Rabbis.