God's Children

K'doshim t'hiuh ci kadosh Adonai eloheinu. You shall be holy, for I The Lord am holy (Leviticus 19:2).

Not only is Jerusalem one of the holiest cities for Jews, but also for Christians. As pesach and Easter come together in this holy city, Jews and Christians mingle in the alleyways. However, that image is broken by the barriers and police officers strewn throughout the Christian section and the ramkolim screaming out the the Lords Prayer in multiple languages.

Good Friday in the old city is an experience. Following the line of Christian pilgrims, we walked the stations of the cross. One of the most moving parts was the arrival at the first station without realization, the Franciscan Monks gathered in an oval and praying aloud. The shock of having arrived at the first station, after following the Arab Catholic Latin scouts from the church of the Franciscans with no sense of direction or purpose. Silence spread around us, even as the hub-bub continued outside the gate. Traveling with the Monks  carried with it a sense of spirituality and power, despite it not being for my spiritual practice.

These people feel a connection to God and yes, to Jesus. Although Judaism does hold Jesus to such an esteemed position, I can respect these people and understand their need to connect to God, or however they feel as closely connected to God. We must respect the holiness of these people. They too are holy, as are all of God's children.

This week. May we find holiness in those around us and appreciation for the beauty each individual provides. Shabbat shalom!