A Facebook friend posted this question: How does one say Happy New Year when our planet is being murdered! My response: The answer is in this essay about a friend who recently passed away: Godspeed to George William Cooper, Activist and Purveyor of Kindness. Here are the three concluding paragraphs:

Paraphrasing the Vietnamese Zen master Thích Nhất Hạnh, George’s life is his message. He always chose the side of the oppressed, the poor, the downtrodden, and did what he could to make their lives better be it with time, money, and/or expertise.

George’s life and work conjure up a popular meme that draws on multiple sources: Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world’s grief. Do justly, now. Love mercy, now. Walk humbly, now. You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.

Let us follow in George’s humble footsteps and continue his work whoever and wherever we are. Let us reflect on “What would George do? in every relevant situation. Like him, let us be the Tom Joads and helpers in a troubled world. It is our only hope as human beings.

Wishing you and yours a Happy, Healthy, Fulfilling, & Peaceful Solar New Year!

The grand essentials of happiness in this life are: Something to do, something to love, and something to hope for. -G.W. Burnap

Shalom (שלום), MAA