The world watched with shock. Seared into our memory. The
impossible. Terrorism on American soil. The invincible towers, so iconic of the free world, crumbling.
And then, 1,776 feet below, another unbelievable sight. Brave men and women running towards the flames, fire trucks, ambulances, and volunteer medics racing with sirens blazing into the inferno. Real-life heroes.
On that day we saw the very worst of humanity, and we saw its very best. And while the loss and destruction was devastating, it was this spirit and resolve that breathed new life into our country.
How apropos, that in this week's Torah portion it says, "Behold I have placed before you life and goodness, death and evil. And you should choose Life!"
Not every evil is 9/11, and not every goodness requires the ultimate sacrifice. These two opposites come in every size; choice facing us at every juncture in life. Smile or scowl, help or hinder, get up or stay down, connect or separate.
We don't need to be facing a terrorist to be someone's hero. The sky does not have to be darkened with smoke and ash (from 9/11 or from California wildfires) for us to pierce through with a ray of sunshine.
So as Rosh Hashanah approaches next week, let's resolve to choose Life. For ourselves, our loved ones, and our community. A life of health and happiness, a life of connection and care, a life of Mitzvahs and bringing light into the world.