Rabbi's Musings

A new book, entitled "The Sacred Struggle: Jewish Responses to Trauma," has been published by the Reform rabbinate (CCAR Press). This book includes a foreword from Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker, the rabbi who survived the Colleyville terror attack a few years back. In his essay, Rabbi Charlie writes of trying to provide some emotional distance to the terror attack, calling it simply “The Incident”. Having lived in Jerusalem during 2001-2002, he had some experience putting acts of terror, which were all too common then, in an emotional box.

Despite the need to create some distance, in Colleyville, Rabbi Charlie made sure, after the event, to reach out to see people, hug people, and be with people. A healing service was held on the Monday after the attack. The trauma was not hidden away; it was acknowledged. Mental health specialists were called in. Support was offered worldwide, and it was accepted with gratitude.

According to Rabbi Charlie, the lessons he learned about trauma are vital: Trauma is never easy. Everyone experiences it differently. Trauma is overwhelming if you try to face it alone. (As the hit Israeli song puts it: Everyone cries but don’t cry alone.)

In short, trauma may shatter us, but it doesn’t have to end us. I am grateful to Rabbi Charlie for teaching us this timely lesson.