The Three Weeks.
Beginning with the breach of the Jerusalem wall after an 18-month siege, and culminating in the destruction of the Holy Temple by the Romans. With various laws of mourning, it reaches its nadir on the Ninth of Av, marked by fasting, sitting on low stools and more.
This happened close to 2,000 years ago. Why are we still crying about it now? Why are we focusing on the distant past? Why don't we simply move on?
This really depends on our perspective on adversity, struggle, and loss. Are these moments failures, blocks in time that we should be keen on totally forgetting about? Or are these very experiences the hardened building blocks of our future? Do they allow us to create a structure more solid, functional, and beautiful than we could have ever imagined before?
We don't dwell on the past to wallow in self-pity, rather we process the past to include those pages in the evolving story of our journey to the summit. This chapter is called "about destruction and renewal".
From the Rabbi's Desk
Dwelling on the Past
Let's Rock!
You did what!? I can't believe it! You hit the rock?! I told you to speak to the rock. That's it. You, Moshe, will not lead the Children of Israel into the promised land.
Puzzling. Why did Moshe hit when he was told to speak? And why is that reason enough to disqualify him from his lifelong dream? And did you know that 39 years earlier, G-d had actually told him to hit the rock?
Moshe governed the nation in a truly miraculous fashion. Egyptian slavery? Ten Plagues. Stuck at sea? Let it split. Nead a meal? Manna from heaven. There seemed to be nothing that Moshe couldn't miraculously solve.
However, now it was time to go into Israel, and over there, we would need to encounter and deal with nature. Planting fields, conducting business, baking bread etc. And we are meant to allow Hashem's will to permeate and affect the natural order of things.
Moshe's way was to disregard the laws of nature, to strike the rock into transcendental submission. What Hashem wanted, as the Jews were prepping for entry into the Holy Land, was to coax the rock itself into naturally complying with His will.
The takeaway for us is that sometimes we do a Mitzvah (good deed) simply because Hashem said so without really feeling it. This can be likened to striking the rock; the result is drinking water, but the method is forced and unnatural. This is a great and effective starting point. Our goal, however, should be to get our personal "rock" on board, to delve into the beautiful teachings of the Torah, and gain a greater appreciation for why we do what we do.
When it resonates with us, the water (our spiritually enhanced life) will flow naturally. And it will taste that much sweeter.
A Quiet House
I ne
ver thought I’d think my house, with 5 kids, was quiet and empty. But after 2 weeks of Camp Aleph, being surrounded by 35 kids laughing, singing, learning, playing, and having a blast being Jewish, it definitely feels that way.
Though camp only lasts for 2 weeks, the warmth, energy, and joy last the whole summer and beyond.
A boy running to put on his robot kippah, a girl’s excitement about bringing a coin for tzedakah (charity), driving down Petaluma Blvd loudly singing "I’m a Jew and I’m proud" on the bus. The harmonious blend of fun and meaning. Each and every moment shows the joy and the excitement of Judaism.
This is why we do what we do. I can't wait to watch Camp Aleph (and all of our programs at Chabad) continue to grow and flourish, yielding the strong and proud Jewish leaders of tomorrow.
~ ~ ~
Devorah wrote the above so eloquently. This perspective on sharing the liveliness and joyfulness of our Jewish heritage is easily attributed to the Rebbe, one of the most influential Jewish leaders throughout history. The Rebbe taught us how every individual matters, and encouraged us to add in one more good deed, and through that, we can tip the balance of the entire world to positivity and peace.
This Shabbat marks 25 years since the Rebbe's passing. Join us as we honor the Rebbe and celebrate his legacy at tomorrow night's community Shabbat dinner.