The only thing worse than learning about the horrific shooting at the 4th of July Parade for Independence Day is knowing that this tragedy will be yesterday's news when the next mass shooting happens.
Many of us are asking how America reached this terrible state of reality. Then you listen to the news reports of gruesome wars, increasing racial violence, economic decline, record levels of hunger while the rich get richer and many democratic governments including our own are in a state of disarray. The state of the world is not good!
In this week's Torah portion Chukat, we learn from Moses, Aaron and Miriam about leadership and that great leadership is rooted in values. Each of us is in a leadership role in life, whether it's official or unofficial; we all exert great influence among our families, our friends, our communities, and the people we encounter on a day-to-day basis.
Perhaps the only way to change this horrible reality is to recognize that by living a life based on Torah values, we can make an impact in our world and bring light into it.
Shabbat shalom