Thought Of The Week By Rabbi Mendel Lew - Parasha Beshalach 5781

Thought for the week by Rabbi Mendel Lew

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Thought for the Week

file:///C/...sers/Gila/Documents/Thought%20for%20the%20week%20by%20Rabbi%20Mendel%20Lew%20-%2020%20January%202021.htm[22/01/2021 11:21:04]

Thought for the week by Rabbi Mendel Lew

Picture by Dermot Carlin BO 5781 - When Darkness Takes Hold "The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision".

This powerful quote by Helen Keller - arguably the most well-known hearing and visually impaired individual in history expresses the pathetic blind prejudice which is so prevalent in our world. People with perfect eyesight who don't seem to notice the beauty and humanity in others.

For a variety of reasons - mostly due to insecurity or deep envy - people try to minimise, and crush, others. The hope is that by casting a dark shadow on the other, their own space will become illuminated. By mocking and putting down the other, their profile will be raised.

Nowhere is this more noticeable than when interacting with one's acquaintances. Social life invariably strengthens the bonds of friendship. Rich and stimulating conversations being the vehicle via which the magic and warmth of friendship is cemented. Alas, these chats inevitably turn to gossip. Sitting back and poking holes in the seemingly perfect lives of others.

What a shame. What a waste of the gift of sight and light.

It may seem like light to the participants. But, in reality, it is the epitome of darkness.

The list of those open to ridicule is endless. No one is immune. It can be those in the public eye (obvious targets), or the shy and reserved.

It is not an innocent pastime. The victim suffers enormously. It is no wonder that gossip is considered a vile sin in our religion.

Indeed, it is viewed as one of the ugliest and worst aspects of human behaviour - creating incalculable and immeasurable pain and anguish.

Then there are those who 'have issues'. Particularly those who struggle with mental health. Since humans are generally assessed by their intellectual abilities, those who are perceived as weak in the mind are viewed as easy targets.

This Shabbat has been designated as Mental Health Shabbat - raising awareness to the oft-overlooked tragedy of those battling with mental health. Those for whom the world appears very dark and foreboding. They may appear to be in excellent physical health. They may be strong and fit.

But, deep inside, they are in tremendous pain and suffering. They are at the edge of the precipice. They see no hope, only agitation and worry. They are heavy with anxiety, and find life itself to be miserable and despairing. file:///C/...sers/Gila/Documents/Thought%20for%20the%20week%20by%20Rabbi%20Mendel%20Lew%20-%2020%20January%202021.htm[22/01/2021 11:21:04]

Thought for the week by Rabbi Mendel Lew

There is no uniform standard or reason for why people are affected in this way. But, it is a sad and unfortunate reality.

What this particular Shabbat is promoting is awareness. Not to delve into the why. But to concentrate on the need - the need to understand, to be sympathetic and to be concerned for the wellbeing of these tortured souls. To find ways to ease their misery. To raise and lift their spirits.

The most important starting point is not to judge - - - and certainly not to disparage.

Thursday is the fifteenth of Shevat - the New Year for trees. Trees are not the only thing being commemorated on that day. It is also a notable date in history. One which connects with this week's Sidrah - Bo. The Sidrah continues the buildup to the famous Exodus from Egypt, which was preceded by ten deadly and intense plagues against the evil and sadistic Egyptian population. Each plague was carefully and perfectly synchronised, beginning with a notice of warning from Moses to Pharaoh, followed by the plague itself. The warning period proceeded for three weeks, while the duration of the actual plague was one week.

The first warning notice was for the plague of blood, and Moses appeared before Pharaoh on the 15th of Sivan to deliver the ominous news. The plague itself began on the 8th of Tammuz. This became the sequence for the next eight plagues: a warning on the 15th of the relevant month, and commencement of the plague on the 8th. The final plague was on a completely different scale.

The warning for the ninth plague was on the 15th of Shevat - the date of next Thursday. It was the warning for the plague of darkness. This darkness plague was not just a lack of light. The darkness was so heavy and dense that the Egyptian oppressors literally couldn't move! [10:22-23] One of the reasons given for this particular retribution against Egypt was their mental mistreatment of the Jews. The physical backbreaking labour was the more obvious crime. But, the barbaric and cruel behaviour also extended to sadistic and perverted mental anguish.

The Jewish people were not just living through the darkness of suffering and pain. They were also tormented by extremely dark and gloomy demons in the mind. Their suffering was as much psychological as it was physical.

In many ways, this despondency, helplessness and hopelessness was worse than anything else they endured.

Remarkably, in the prayer recited for those who are unwell we request from G-d healing. First healing of the mind, and then healing of the body.

Because healing of the mind, a strong and healthy mind, is that important. It is vital and essential.

In the current troubling and difficult times being endured, people are worried and anxious like never before. The assault on the mind has spiked in massive waves.

On this Shabbat of mental health awareness, let's open our eyes and look kindly and favourably on others. Let our sight be accompanied with vision. Let light banish darkness. Let sympathy and compassion overwhelm all. Let love reign.

May we all be blessed with good health - mentally as well as physically. May any darkness be banished forever.

Have a great Shabbat. Keep safe. Much love.

Rabbi Mendel Lew

This page was updated on 10 July 53030

 Address: London Road, Stanmore, Middx, HA7 4NS

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