When Plans Change—and So Does the World
If you’re a regular reader, you know that I recently planned a short trip to Israel to visit my daughter. If you’re not living under a rock, you probably have heard that all those people who planned short trips suddenly found themselves on longer ones when war broke out between Israel and Iran.
Not Stuck—Exactly Where I’m Meant to Be
Yes, we who are in Israel have seen rocket fire, hurried into safe rooms, and been keenly aware that we aren’t in Kansas (or Monsey) anymore. But you know what? Despite people asking me when I’m coming back to New York, or whether I’ll try getting on a flight through Egypt, I am very careful not to say I’m stuck here. I may not be able to leave, but I’m right where I’m supposed to be.
The Holiest Place on Earth
How can one complain that he or she is “stuck” in Hashem’s capital city? The city where Hashem (God) chose to rest His presence, and where some of the greatest moments in Jewish history took place. The Akeidah (binding of Yitzchak [Isaac]) was here, when Avraham showed his total dedication to Hashem. Yaakov had his dream here, when Hashem showed him guardian angels, accompanying him on his way, and of course, the Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple) was built here and existed for over 800 years.
Besides for that, though, I feel privileged to have been chosen by Hashem to be here. I don’t know precisely why He wants me here, but I’m sure that He does. In a sense, I felt like Yehudah, who was sent ahead to Goshen to build Yeshivot (schools for Torah study) before the Jews went down to Egypt. Maybe Hashem wants me here as part of the welcoming committee for Klal Yisrael (the Jewish nation) when Mashiach (the Messiah) is revealed and everyone comes here.
Facing Danger with Faith
Maybe Hashem wants me to share my feelings with people elsewhere in the world, which I’m doing now. The fact that I’m not terrified by the rockets, but able to focus on strengthening my bitachon in Hashem is something I’m very grateful for. I’m not fooling myself, like the young people who enjoy sitting on the porches and watching the “air show” of missiles and Iron Dome. I know these are dangerous times, and we shouldn’t tempt fate by being silly and feeling invincible. We are not. But we are not in danger of being hurt by our enemies.
Every missile, every attack, and every defense move, all come from Hashem. He, as we say in the very first Ani Maamin (Principle of Faith), is the One who does every action in the world. The people who carry out his will are merely messengers. Even if they want to kill us, we know Hashem is just testing us; giving us the opportunity to rise above the fray and see His hand and fingerprints in everything.
There Are No Coincidences
The fact that so many of the people who got “stuck” in one place or another have a story about how it happened is very telling. I’d originally planned to be here for Shavuot, but my flight was cancelled, so I planned this trip a week later. Someone I know was scheduled to go back to New York on Thursday before everything shut down, but because he missed his original flight, he decided to extend his trip until after Shabbos. Why did circumstances lead to that? I don’t know, but it’s not random.
I don’t know when I’ll be heading back to my house, or if Mashiach will be here first and my family will join me here. But whatever Hashem has in mind for me, I plan to be ready. I only hope I’ll be able to properly follow the clues and do the right thing.
Small Kindnesses, Big Chesed
I must tell you that I got some texts and even phone calls from people back home which were very meaningful. To know that people care about you at a time when other people want you dead is very heartening. I must give credit where credit is due and acknowledge those people, especially the one who offered to learn with me during a slow time of his workday.
If I learned one thing so far on my Israeli journey that I want to share, it’s that being there for others can be such a real chesed (kindness) even if it doesn’t take you much effort. You have no idea how important a kind word is until you’re the recipient of it, and then, hopefully you’ll try to pass it on. I’m very grateful to Hashem also for the ability to continue writing my columns and parshah (Weekly Torah Portion) sheets from here, and to try to share inspiration with others.
Don’t Miss the Moment
Do me a favor, and yourself as well. If anything here resonated with you, act on it. Now. Don’t let the moment get away, for it may never come again, and don’t simply move on – because there’s a reason you’re right where you are.
By Rabbi Jonathan Gewirtz
Rabbi Gewirtz (Operation Inspiration) welcomes comments and feedback. Write to him at info@JewishSpeechWriter.com to share your thoughts. You never know when you may be the lamp that enlightens someone else.
