One of the greatest challenges - and abilities - of the Jewish People is our capacity for changing emotional gears at a moment's notice, integrating the highs and lows of life that all too often follow rapidly one upon the other. This Pesach was a perfect example: We were (and are) in the midst of a traumatic national crisis here in Israel and are filled with anxiety and apprehension, yet we were compelled to celebrate our holiday and maximally fulfill our mitzvah of simchat YomTov (the Joy of the Holiday). Not an easy task, but one we were obliged to carry out, nonetheless.
My Rebbe pointed out that this juxtaposition of diverse feelings is indicated in the Hallel prayer, where the phrase, ?This is the day that Hashem has made; let us rejoice in it (Zeh Hayom Asa Hashem?)? is immediately followed by ?Ana Hashem - Hoshia Na! (Please, G-d, Save us!)? Pleasure and pain, alas, often run headlong into one another.
In our sedra, the Jewish People are smack in the middle of tremendous joy and celebration, when tragedy suddenly strikes. Just after the Mishkan has been inaugurated and we have dedicated this magnificent home for the Shechina, Aharon's two sons, Nadav and Avihu, are struck down. Moshe Rabbeinu offers his condolences on the loss of his nephews, verbalizing his feelings, but father Aharon remains speechless. Sometimes, say our Rabbis, it is appropriate to engage in ?Vayomer Moshe (And Moshe spoke).? At other times, the correct response is ?Vayidom Aharon (And Aharon was silent).? While joy is best expressed in song, laughter and praise, sorrow is generally couched in silence.
As Israel heroically seeks to destroy the Palestinian infrastructure of terror that has caused us so much suffering over the years, this lesson takes on a new and powerful meaning. While all over the world supporters of terrorism and its practitioners scream anti-Israeli diatribes at the top of their lungs, we should try to exercise self-control and practice a little silence. We should be careful not to criticize Israel for its initiative, not to lend our voice to those castigating the victim while glorifying the perpetrators.
Let us do what we must do, united in our noble cause. The time will come for cheering, I am certain. For now, quiet determination is the order of the day.
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Rabbi Weiss is Director of the Jewish Outreach Center in Ra?anana.
My Rebbe pointed out that this juxtaposition of diverse feelings is indicated in the Hallel prayer, where the phrase, ?This is the day that Hashem has made; let us rejoice in it (Zeh Hayom Asa Hashem?)? is immediately followed by ?Ana Hashem - Hoshia Na! (Please, G-d, Save us!)? Pleasure and pain, alas, often run headlong into one another.
In our sedra, the Jewish People are smack in the middle of tremendous joy and celebration, when tragedy suddenly strikes. Just after the Mishkan has been inaugurated and we have dedicated this magnificent home for the Shechina, Aharon's two sons, Nadav and Avihu, are struck down. Moshe Rabbeinu offers his condolences on the loss of his nephews, verbalizing his feelings, but father Aharon remains speechless. Sometimes, say our Rabbis, it is appropriate to engage in ?Vayomer Moshe (And Moshe spoke).? At other times, the correct response is ?Vayidom Aharon (And Aharon was silent).? While joy is best expressed in song, laughter and praise, sorrow is generally couched in silence.
As Israel heroically seeks to destroy the Palestinian infrastructure of terror that has caused us so much suffering over the years, this lesson takes on a new and powerful meaning. While all over the world supporters of terrorism and its practitioners scream anti-Israeli diatribes at the top of their lungs, we should try to exercise self-control and practice a little silence. We should be careful not to criticize Israel for its initiative, not to lend our voice to those castigating the victim while glorifying the perpetrators.
Let us do what we must do, united in our noble cause. The time will come for cheering, I am certain. For now, quiet determination is the order of the day.
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Rabbi Weiss is Director of the Jewish Outreach Center in Ra?anana.