This summer I had a hip replacement it was the first time I had to really recover from major surgery. I learned a lot from the experience. I have sat with many ill congregants trying to give them some kind of comfort. I have sympathized with their travails but I never quite understood what they were experiencing because I never experienced it myself. Now I know firsthand. Recovery is hard and requires all your attention. I did very little for the first month after surgery, resting, doing my physical therapy exercises, watching really stupid TV and reading some. I now understand the patient must have patience. The main focus of your life at that moment must be just to get better.

Even though a hip replacement is not life threatening, you know that at some point you will feel better and that at the end of the recovery period your life will improve. I am now without pain and beginning to feel myself. While cogitating on what I learned and what wisdom I would like to pass on, I read “Moments of Transcendence Inspirational Readings for Rosh Hashanah” edited by Rabbi Dov Perezt Elkins. One of the readings was titled “What Do I Want for Our Children?” from an unknown author. From this I was inspired to reflect on how in these times of uncertainty and difficulties a religious attitude towards life will bring comfort and purpose.

We should look at the mysteries of life not with fear but with awe. We should be excited by learning.

The rabbis tell us to learn something new every day. Explore the knowledge of our ancestors and apply that knowledge to the present. Read a book you can find the world in those pages.

Perhaps we do not need art to live, but art makes life worth living. I find great joy and fulfillment listening to a concert, watching a play and seeing beautiful art.

Have a feeling for beauty, and all that issues from being a part of this earth and this life. Being awestruck by the wonder of nature and reveling in the structure of our world.

Wake up from slumber and rejoice in life.

Understand that following religion is a joyous thing and is life affirming.

Follow the customs and ceremonies of our religious faiths to bring beauty and richness to our lives. It is best to observe these moments not out of guilt or the belief in their magical powers but because we believe in the force they have in making our lives better. People long for connection and purpose. Performing rituals, attending services and following a moral path set forth by our ancestors organizes our lives and make us have a sense of belonging.

It is also important to make religion your own and do what is meaningful to you. There are many customs that seem archaic but can be made meaningful by reinterpreting them for the modern age.

The two most important lessons I have learned over the years are gratitude and love. There are many things in life that we can be angry about. We don’t make enough money; other people are getting ahead; society seems to be leaving us behind; we are lonely and our families are not coming through for us. The list can go on and on. Dwelling on all the negativities in life will not make us feel better. God shows us over and over again that positivity and gratitude are to be rewarded. God “delights in life.” I had an elderly congregant who when asked, how are you doing, would always answer it’s a good day, I am breathing in and out.

The words of the Bible and of the prayer books all speak of thanking God just for the gift of life. As my mother would say “where there is life there is hope.” Religion emphasizes that life can always get better. Through faith and gratitude our whole disposition can change and we can face the future with optimism and joy.

My final wish for the whole world is love. Love yourself first, then love those around you. We must be forgiving of ourselves and those we share our life with. We must love humanity as the world needs love now not hate. As I have said we need religion to help us find love and ultimately to make the world a better place.

This is a contributed opinion column. Cantor Ellen Sussman is cantor and spiritual leader of Temple Shirat Shalom of Allentown. The views expressed in this piece are those of its individual author(s), and should not be interpreted as reflecting the views of this publication.

https://www.mcall.com/2025/11/01/faith-values-religious-attitude-will-bring-comfort-and-purpose/