“ A plague o ’ both your house ,” says Mercutio , in Romeo and Juliet , right before he dies , struck down in a swordfight that didn ’ t have to happen . He curses both houses , Montague and Capulet , instead of preaching reconciliation . Sadly , in that story , it takes more death and sadness before the families find their way forward .
This Pesach , as we read through the plagues , let ’ s talk through their anger , along with the pain of this year ’ s plagues , pain that for many is still part of their lives and may continue to be so . Can we follow the plague of loss with healing-talk and trusting-talk - between ourselves as a Jewish community divided , and beyond our communal borders , to those enemies of our people . Only then , as a people who pray for peace , can we find the bravery needed to overcome these endless plagues of violence , of wrath , and of hatred . Bravery is the only way towards talking together , crying together , and yes , making peace together .
Beth Steinberg is co-founder and co-director of Shutaf and is the artistic director of Theater in the Rough in Jerusalem .
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