From War to Wisdom: A Rabbi's Journey Through Conflict and Community (Ep. 239)

From War to Wisdom: A Rabbi's Journey Through Conflict and Community (Ep. 239)

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Rabbi Michael Steven Ross takes us on a deeply personal journey through the challenging landscape faced by Jewish communities today. Since the 2018 Pittsburgh Synagogue shooting, anti-Semitism has become an inescapable part of daily Jewish life, with police officers now stationed at synagogues and schools. "What we are communicating to our children is you're not safe unless a police officer welcomes you into your house of worship," Rabbi Michael explains, revealing the hidden cost of this new normal.

Following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war, Rabbi Ross found himself transformed as a spiritual leader. Where he once relied primarily on scholarly wisdom, he discovered the power of leading through "compassion informed by wisdom." This shift came with the development of a vital morning practice—alternating between meditation, nature immersion through cycling, and community prayer—that created the internal spaciousness needed to serve others effectively while processing his own reactions to traumatic events.

After visiting Israel during the conflict, Rabbi Michael returned carrying what he calls "two cups"—one overflowing with joy in connection to loved ones, the other overflowing with tears for all suffering. This profound metaphor captures the complex emotional reality many face during crisis. His four-part meditation practice, focusing on body, emotions, thoughts, and soul, offers practical wisdom for anyone navigating difficult circumstances.

The conversation takes an important turn to campus life, where Jewish students face heightened anti-Semitism and the painful dissolution of interfaith relationships built over years. Through it all, Rabbi Michael emphasizes community as our "Noah's Ark" during storms, and the power of daily gratitude practices to avoid being swept away by chaos. "We might need to be aware of the news stories unfolding," he reflects, "but we get to choose when we want to be engaged with that conversation." In this wisdom lies a template for resilience that transcends any particular faith tradition.

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