reflections

After reflecting on the events of this week, I feared that perhaps I was a bit callous in my last post, that my potentially dismissive remark for all of you to not worry about me was insensitive to all of those in the northern part of Israel who are living in bomb shelters currently, or who have lost loved ones, or even their lives. This was not my goal. My goal was to assuage the fears of those reading this blog.

Let me say that we are all very concerned with the current events, and already there have been several times that the girls at Neve have been gathered into the library to say Tehillim (Psalms) for the safety of the nation. There is a great tradition of saying Tehillim in a time of danger. King David penned numerous Tehillim when he was fleeing his enemies, some of which are said in these times as a source of protection.

For a skeptic, this may seem a little “far out.” Perhaps tanks and ammunition would seem more appropriate, or just more rational. However, when one comes to recognize from whom all power and control emanates (I’ll give you a clue: it’s not Olmert), it makes perfect sense to, and would even seem irresponsible to not, employ the spiritual method.

Rebbetzin Heller suggested saying the 79^th, 93^rd, 130^th, 142^nd Tehillim (you could also say more). The names of the soldiers who are kidnapped, which should be kept in mind, are: Gilad ben Aviva, Ehud ben Malka and Eldad ben Tova. Please keep them, as well as all of us, in your prayers during this difficult time.

Portentously these events are falling out during the period in the Jewish year known as the “Three Weeks,” which is a historically difficult and tragic period.

This is the time of year when both of the temples were destroyed, when we sinned with the golden calf in the desert (think back to the book of Exodus), and when the spies came back with their unfavorable report about the land of Israel (the book of Numbers), among other things. More recently, this was also the time of year when the inhabitants of Gush Katif had to leave their homes (it began the day after Tisha B’Av, if I’m not mistaken).

We are told that one of the reasons the second Beis HaMikdosh, the Temple, was destroyed was because of baseless hatred among Jews. Furthermore, some have said that each year the Temple is not rebuilt, it means that we are still guilty of this sin. How is this possible? The message of “love your neighbor as yourself” seems simple enough, no?

No. I think about every time when someone’s idiosyncrasy annoys me and I cringe at my reaction. Rationally I can understand that he/she is not saying/doing anything to specifically rile me, but some things just get under my skin. And that’s not even on purpose! What about when someone is outright rude to me? Or insulting? Or hostile? How many times do I harbor frustration and negativity in my heart and mind toward someone undeserving of this treatment?

During this time of year especially (though it should really be a constant), I’m trying to quell these reactions, to take a step back and acknowledge that another girls’ quirks are simply that: hers. Even more so, I should wonder how many people are annoyed by my idiosyncrasies. Hmm, that’s a little painful. And when someone is rude to me, or cuts in front of me in line, or whatever, I’m trying not to let my frustration linger.

There is an event tonight on the topic of Lashon Hara (Bad Speech, i.e. gossip, slander, etc.) where several well-known rabbis are speaking on this topic. Since Lashon Hara was included in the reason for the destruction of the second Beis HaMikdosh, it’s very fitting that we learn about these laws in order to begin to repair the damage we have wrought on the world through improper speech. Check out (books here) to learn about these laws.

Each person is created in the image of G-d, and no two people are alike. Instead of noticing the differences between us and being annoyed or appalled or judgmental, perhaps we can learn to appreciate the strengths and individuality of each person, and perhaps through this we can come to see the image of G-d in everyone, and to treat everyone with the dignity and respect they deserve, and then maybe we can merit to see the rebuilding of the Beis HaMikdosh in our days.