"If one forgot a loaf of bread baking in the oven as Shabbat began, it can be removed with a knife or in some unusual manner. This is allowed, even on Shabbat, because: שֶׁהִיא חָכְמָה וְאֵינָהּ מְלָאכָה - 'baking is an art not a labor.'"
(Shabbat 117b, today's page of Talmud Study/Daf Yomi)
The Jewish People have faced terrible, lonely, tragic conditions in our history with bravery and hope just as we must today. Our tradition has always been there as a source of strength and comfort, so let me share the following:
To all of you wearing masks, distancing, helping others, working under daunting conditions, and even joining us online or in the parking lot for services and programs, from the bottom of my heart,
you have my respect and love.
You are doing what Jews have always done, what God teaches us through a loaf of bread - to adjust in times like this with wisdom and creativity. To treat life not as a labor but as an art. Art which while it may reflect the times also helps us transcend them.
In the name of the sources of our strength, God, Tradition, and Community,
I bless you all to have creativity, strength and hope, Amen.
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