The Sixth Stage

This morning, over 120 members of the Teaneck/Bergenfield community commenced a three-day solidarity mission to Israel, in response to the harrowing months of war that have deeply affected our nation. This communal effort is rooted in a collective desire to offer support and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with those who have been directly impacted by these challenging times.

The opening of our mission was marked by the exceptionally moving words of Jen Airley. She shared the deeply personal story of her son, Binyamin, who tragically fell in Gaza several months ago. Her courage and strength in the face of such loss deeply resonated with us all, serving as a powerful testament to the human cost of conflict and the remarkable resilience of those who endure it.

As we immerse ourselves in the Israeli community, it is evident that the conventional five stages of grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance, as introduced by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross—don’t fully encompass their collective experience. The unending nature of this war has led to a complex process of grieving, where individuals often find themselves navigating all five stages simultaneously.

However, in this complex landscape of grief, we observe an additional, profound stage: resilience. The resilience of the Jewish community in Israel adds a remarkable dimension to the grieving process, reflecting an enduring spirit and hope. This resilience, characterized by a collective determination to rebuild and move forward, highlights the incredible strength and will to persevere despite the ongoing challenges.

Witnessing this resilience at the beginning of our mission is profoundly inspiring. It paints a narrative of human endurance and adaptability, showcasing the capacity of the human spirit to not only withstand adversity but also to emerge stronger. The stories of courage, solidarity, and unwavering optimism that we encounter underscore the indomitable nature of the human will.

As we move forward with our mission over the next several days, we are prepared to witness the varied stages of grief that weave through the fabric of this nation’s experience. But we must also take note of this special endowment – the sixth stage of resilience, gifted to us by God Himself, as reflected in the words “ה’ עוז לעמו יתן” – “Hashem gives strength to His people.”