
Sermon
Finding stability in times of trauma
Rabbi Elchonon Feldman, Bushey United Synagogue
Together we rise: Mental health and the power of community in times of crises
Rabbi Elchonon Feldman, Senior Rabbi of Bushey United Synagogue and Psychotherapist
This week’s Torah portion, Bo, transports us to a defining moment in our history. Pharaoh, under pressure, confronts Moses and Aaron with the question: ‘Who are the ones to go?’ (Exodus 10:8). Moses responds unequivocally: ‘We will all go—with our young and our old, with our sons and daughters, with our flocks and herds.’ (Exodus 10:9). His answer is a profound declaration: every individual matters, and only together can we move forward.
This year’s Jami Mental Health Shabbat invites us to reflect on this message in the context of our contemporary challenges, particularly considering the growing concerns of antisemitism across the world and the uncertainty here in the UK following the events of 7 October. The mental health toll of these pressures is significant, touching every segment of our community – children, teenagers, parents, and elders; those deeply engaged in Jewish practice and those on the periphery.
The mental health impact of antisemitism
Antisemitism is not new, but its recent resurgence – amplified by social media, global conflicts, and public discourse – has deepened feelings of anxiety, alienation and vulnerability among Jews worldwide. For many, Jew hatred is no longer an abstract fear but an emerging (or reemerging) reality that shapes identity and wellbeing.
Young people may question how openly they can express their Jewish identity. Parents may wrestle with how to shield their children from prejudice while instilling pride. Our seniors, with memories of past persecutions, may feel a painful sense of history repeating itself. This shared burden weighs heavily on the mental health of individuals and families alike and I am sure that many of your Friday night dinner tables have been the setting for pondering these very thoughts. Perhaps, in fact, this week as you sit down to dinner this Shabbat, this subject of uncertainty permeates your Jami Shabbat experience.
Israel’s precarious circumstances post 7 October further compounds this. The sense of safety we once took for granted feels fragile. Questions abound: How can we navigate a world where hostility towards Israel spills over into hostility towards Jews? How do we balance vigilance with hope?
The role of community
In times of fear and uncertainty, it is tempting to retreat inward. Yet, as Moses teaches us in Bo, salvation and hope lie in togetherness. Pharaoh’s query – ‘Who are the ones to go?’ – reflects his misunderstanding of what it means to be a people. Moses’s reply is clear: no one will be left behind.
Today, our communities hold the same potential for resilience and healing. Mental health professionals often emphasise the importance of supportive networks, and Jewish tradition reinforces this wisdom. A synagogue, a Shabbat table, a Jami support group – these spaces remind us that we are never alone.
In the face of antisemitism and uncertainty, we can draw strength from gathering as a community. Together, we validate each other’s fears, share strategies for coping, and inspire one another to transform anxiety into action. Just as our people emerged from the darkness of Egypt united, we, too, can find our way forward by leaning into our collective strength.
From fear to pride
However, there is a cautionary note we must heed. Fear can be a powerful motivator, but it is not a sustainable foundation for identity. If our connection to Judaism or Israel is defined solely by the threats we face, we risk a fragile and reactive identity which can have long term mental health implications.
Instead, we must cultivate pride. Just as Moses insisted that everyone – young and old, men and women – participate in celebrating G-d’s festival, we must foster a Judaism that celebrates life, values, and connection. This means teaching ourselves and loved ones not only to stand against hatred but also to stand for the beauty and richness of their heritage. It means creating spaces where people can find joy, meaning and purpose in their Jewish lives.
Moving forward together
The passage from Bo offers us a roadmap:
- Inclusivity: Like Moses, we must ensure that everyone feels they belong. Whether through community support networks, Jami’s mental health initiatives or synagogue programming, let us create spaces where people feel seen, heard and valued.
- Solidarity: We must stand together, offering support and compassion to those grappling with anxiety or uncertainty. Every Shabbat service, community event, or outreach effort is an opportunity to strengthen the bonds that hold us together.
- Hope and pride: Let us move beyond fear to embrace pride in our Jewish identity. By celebrating our traditions, supporting Israel and fostering meaningful connections, we can inspire resilience and joy in the face of adversity.
As we reflect on the challenges of our time, let us remember Moses’s vision: a people united, moving forward together, leaving no one behind. In the face of this crises and mental health struggles, let us rise to the occasion – not just as individuals, but as a community bound by faith, compassion and hope.
Shabbat Shalom.