Limping Toward the Light: A Mother’s Journey Through Loss

In a world filled with confusion and heartache, we often find ourselves bearing not only our own grief but also the sorrow of those around us. Rachel Goldberg-Polin, the mother of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, one of the hostages brutally murdered in Gaza, shares her deeply personal journey through this dark chapter. With courage, she reflects on carrying the weight of loss while also becoming a source of comfort to others.

Rachel’s story reminds us of the delicate balance between offering support and allowing ourselves moments of quiet healing. She speaks of the challenge of walking through public spaces, where others often stop her to share their grief, unaware of the additional burden they’re placing on her already weary heart.

In these moments, Rachel reminds us of the power of quiet respect and the “lost art of respectfulness,” as her mother once called it. She invites us to rediscover how to approach others with empathy and care, carrying our own wounds while honoring the space others need to heal.

Her words remind us to respect the journeys of others, especially in times of deep grief, while also encouraging us to seek moments of light as we each find our way forward.

Read Rachel’s full story and reflection here ➔

A Prayer for Rachel, the Hostages, and Their Families