The last time I sat shiva in the most unfortunate and tragic circumstances, we were 14 mourners.
As my mother neared a full century of life, I knew that the next time I would sit shiva, I would be the sole mourner. I am an only child. What I could NOT have foreseen was that I literally would be sitting alone in a world that has plunged us all into isolation.
Sitting here makes me reflect on the power of one:
The power of one soul.
The power of one single Holocaust survivor of a family who replants her tree.
The power of an only child who adds branches that blossom and bear fruit.
The power of one good deed.
The power of one kind word that brings one comfort.
The power of one errand that puts food on an empty table.
The power of one phone call that gives a shut-in the will to live.
The power of one doctor who guides his colleagues and community.
The power of one volunteer hatzolah medic who arrives on the scene in the nick of time.
We know that this is how G‑d intended us to be. Nivrah adam yechidi, “man was created alone,” to know the power of the individual. We each have the power to change the world, word by word, deed by deed, action by action. He granted us this power by planting his Oneness in each of us.
In these trying times, we the common bond that binds us has come to the forefront. Walls and fences may separate us, but we are united at heart and by the singular goal to bring sustenance and safety to each other. This unity is the bone our enemies have picked at throughout Jewish history.
We are one nation, united by Torah, and that is our resilience. Things that previously divided us—background, social status, political opinions, financial stability—have now fallen away, allowing us to unite in the ways that really matter.
Yes, I may be sitting shiva alone, but I am with the Power of Oneness G‑d has gifted me.
Look around. Is there one deed with which you can make a difference in someone else’s day?
Is there one kind word with which you can empower another with encouragement and hope?
There is only one question we should be asking ourselves right now is, how can I alone make a difference?
