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With only two days until Chag Pesach, we in the States are still waiting frantically for news about our children, grandchildren and relatives who are struggling to return to the States for the Chag
With every anticipated cell phone ring, we take deep breaths hoping and praying that the news will be that they were finally able to secure a flight home from Israel.
As a relative of a student currently studying in an Israeli seminary, I truly understand, share and appreciate the anxiety and stress levels that so many parents, grandparents and relatives are now experiencing as their children try desperately to find safe flights home.
What exacerbates this matzav is the ongoing and relentless missile and drone attacks on Israel, the sleepless nights spent in the mamad or miklant, the continuous exhaustion of endless sirens, and the uncertainly of where an American student can observe two Pesach sedarim. This was never part of the original plan.
Friends, as we reflect on this matzav, reality dictates that the worst scenario we face is to remain in Israel for Chag Pesach. But is this really and truly the worst scenario?
Just think back to all of those times in our lives when we hoped, prayed and dreamed about spending Yom Tovin in Eretz Yisrael. Well, here we are today, although not under the most ideal conditions ,we are nevertheless fortunate and privileged to spend Chag Pesach in Eretz Yisrael (our true homeland), in spite of the war.
I recently read a brilliant post by Rabbi Efrem Goldberg who posits that it would be a monumental oversight or mistake for us to think that we are “stuck” in Israel and that the word “stuck” is probably the wrong word to use when describing this matzav. To be sure, Jews should never ever feel that they are “stuck” in Israel after centuries of fighting, dreaming and yearning for our a Jewish homeland.
Rabbi Goldberg’s perspective is so spot on!
In reality, being in Eretz Yisrael, should be a true privilege and a gift from HaShem; and, one which we should never ever take for granted.
The question still remains…..
How do we cope with an existential war which threatens our lives.
The answer is embedded in our bitachon and emunah in HaShem, our resilience and our will to overcome danger and adversity.
Moving Forward
Yesterday, the 10th of Nisan was Shabbat Ha-Gadol. It was a time of tremendous miracles for the Bnai Yisrael. It was indeed a period of transition from avdut to cherut under the harsh rule of the Egyptians.
As we are about transition into Chag Pesach, we pray to HaShem that he will bring this war to a victorious conclusion for acheinu bnai yisrael.
Its been a very difficult, harsh and trying period in our history and one which will be remembers for generations.
It is now up to all of us to be mitpallel to HaShem for a positive and victorious outcome; to redouble our efforts to perform mitzvot and chesed and to engage one another in acts of chesed, achdut and torah study,
With HaShem’s will and oversight, the culmination of these acts, will result in true bracha for a Chag Kasher v’Sameach.
Remember, those of us who are currently in Israel are already in our “true” home. Our challenge is to pray to HaShem that we will be able to celebrate next year’s Chag Pesach in peace throughout Eretz Yisrael and in the streets and neighborhoods of Yerushalayim.
Chag Kasher v’Sameach and L’Shana HaBa’ah B’Yerushalayim.
Dr. Chaim Botwinick is a senior executive coach and an organizational consultant .
He served as president and CEO of the central agency for Jewish education in Baltimore and in Miami; in addition to head of school and principal for several Jewish day schools and yeshivot.
As an Influencer, he has published and lectured extensively on topics relating to education, resource development, strategic planning and leadership development.
Dr. Botwinick is Author of “Think Excellence: Harnessing Your Power to Succeed Beyond Greatness”, Brown Books, 2011