A Crack in Everything: Embracing Light in Darkness

The author begins by reflecting on the past week, contrasting a previous sermon about perseverance (like a marathon or Rabbi Akiva's survival at sea) with the recent devastating events. The death of Leonard Cohen is noted, and his music, particularly 'Anthem' and 'You Want It Darker,' is highlighted for its themes of finding light in brokenness and embracing darkness as a path to truth. The author acknowledges the widespread feelings of despondency, confusion, fear, and anger following the election results, comparing the national mood to a period of mourning (Shiva or Onenut).

In a moment of national crisis, the author turns to Torah for guidance. The story of Abraham's divine call ('Lech lecha') is revisited, emphasizing that unlike Noah, Abraham's initial righteousness isn't explicitly stated. A Midrash explains Abraham's specialness through his quest: encountering a 'birah doleket' (a palace lit up or on fire). This represents two ways of discovering God or meaning: through beauty and transcendence (a lit palace) or through pain and suffering, prompting a call to action (a palace on fire). The author asserts that both approaches are necessary for moving forward.

The author acknowledges the dual realities of a beautiful world and a world 'on fire' after the election. Expressing concern for those threatened by divisive rhetoric, the author shares a letter signed by rabbis pledging solidarity with immigrants, Muslims, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, women, and people with disabilities. The importance of listening and understanding, even across political divides, is stressed. The author recounts a story of a feminist who voted for Donald Trump, emphasizing the need for dialogue to bridge understanding.

Concluding with Leonard Cohen's song 'If It Be Your Will,' the author highlights the poignant lyrics, especially 'There's a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in.' The song's final stanza, 'draw us near and bind us tight, all your children here in their rags of light,' is interpreted through Kabbalistic understanding. 'Rags of light' metaphorically refers to the human body, reminding us of our inherent light. The speaker hopes that through collective effort, the current darkness, enmity, and confusion can be overcome, finding sources of light and embracing the cracks that allow it in.