Sunday, October 12, 2025
Lost count of time — how can we already be in October?
I had planned another post for today, but as it’s Sunday, I felt I needed to share this with you.
Life has taken us on a rollercoaster of emotions — highs and lows that we sometimes could never have imagined going so deep. Yet with every descent and every challenge, there is a way to rise again, to grow, and to find our way back toward the light.
The news I’ve been praying for — that the hostages will soon be released — brings hope. It will never bring back what was taken, nor all the lives lost. But we will be able to breathe again. Their place was never far from our hearts. What life awaits them, and us, is still to be written — with the help of H, and through each of us stepping together toward unity.
Last week, I listened to the first 30 minutes of a lecture by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks. He spoke of how our lives are finite — and I paused there. Six days later, I heard the second half, where he explained that the only way to defy that finiteness is to find joy — not just happiness, but true simhah — the pure joy that comes from being present, moment after moment, and recognizing that it flows from our connection with H.
During Sukkot, the sukkah — those small, temporary tents we build for a few days — reminds us of many things, but above all, that our happiness doesn’t come from a structure of walls or possessions. It comes from what we bring inside — our heart, our soul, and the light we share with the world.
These past few months, I’ve lived hour by hour, sometimes half a day at a time. That was how I could handle things — moving one step at a time, one night at a time, simply grateful to wake up in the morning. By focusing on what I could handle, I arrived at today — to hear that second part of the lecture — reminding me that to truly enjoy each moment is the only real way to live.
Wishing you all a peaceful Sunday.
May the hostages come home soon, and may a better future for our world be on its way.
Let’s remember that it’s in our hands — and that even a single smile or act of kindness can make a difference for all.
With love and light always,
Jessica
In memory of Rocky.
so parislux ! 
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