And yet, here is the paradox: the very act of acknowledging that the glass is half empty is a yearning for it to be filled.

Shabbat teaches that holiness is not found only in productivity, achievement, or striving. Holiness can emerge through presence: noticing the people around our table, lingering in conversation, walking outside without rushing, singing together, resting, paying attention to beauty.

Many of us are moving through our days with tender hearts right now - tender because we care, and because we are paying attention. Our tradition has a word for what we can offer one another in moments like these: chizuk, strengthening.