Stanmore Shul Thought Of The Week - Vetchanan 5780

Thought for the week by Rabbi Mendel Lew

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Thought for the Week

file:///C/...ws.old/Users/Gila/Documents/Thought%20for%20the%20week%20by%20Rabbi%20Mendel%20Lew%20Vaetchanan%205780.htm[31/07/2020 11:04:46]

Thought for the week by Rabbi Mendel Lew

Picture by Dermot Carlin VA'ETCHANAN 5780 - Smiling Through The Tears I am writing this article in the midst of the Fast of Av. The fast - which is the unfortunate climax of three weeks of sadness, commemorating calamities and disasters in our people's long and varied history - is on many levels not the whole story. In fact, it is almost a side issue.

The essential nature of this day is far graver, more crushing and bitingly painful than a simple lack of nutrients. The feelings I have right now are of raw grief and mourning. The Holy Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed on this day, and I’m feeling bereft.

The Jerusalem Talmud [Yoma. 5a. Chapter one, Halacha one] makes the following statement: "Any generation in which the Holy Temple was not built is considered as if it actively destroyed it".

Imagine being in Jerusalem on that awful day 1951 years ago as the Temple is set alight. Soon it is reduced to rubble. When you observe the area near the Kotel (the Western Wall), it confirms the account that we have of the impressive-looking stones flying and crashing to the ground.

Brick by brick, rock by rock, stone by stone, the great Temple - the house of the Divine - sheds its majesty and glory, and our very essence and joy – Jewish pride and dignity - is shed with it. Everything about us is laid bare and desolate. Imagine how devastated and broken one would be. How shattered and lost one would feel.

That Talmudic statement challenges us: if it hasn't been built in our lifetime, then it's being destroyed - again and again - by us!! And each time we must feel the raw pain.

That's how I'm feeling right now.

However, this too is only part of the story.

In classic Jewish style, we can never fall into complete despair. Yes, we grieve, yes we cry, yes we mourn. But we are also optimistic. The Jewish narrative of pain is to channel it directly into gain. About destruct in order to construct - even better and more beautiful than before. About transforming our lives and thereby creating something different.

The Fast of Av is the saddest day in the Jewish calendar, yet it is also the one with the most hope. On the night of the fast, one chants the immortal words of the prophet Jeremiah in the book of Eicha (Lamentations) to a historic tune. The words, and the music, are heartrending and piercing.

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Thought for the week by Rabbi Mendel Lew

Yet, right at the end it finishes on a high, as the congregation joins in the final verse: "Turn us to You, O L-rd, and we shall be turned, Renew our days as of old". The ending gives us hope that the good times are just around the corner.

This has always been the historic Jewish approach to tragedy and pain. To grieve properly and fully. And to follow that with a commitment to focus on our roles as builders. To build the building blocks of religious life, which adds one brick onto another – bringing the Temple back to life. ************************ In recent months our lives have been shaken up. Along with the human cost, our own Temple - our Shul - has been closed.

The opportunity to find solace and direction in its hallowed walls has been denied us. The chance for a communal experience has been put on hold.

Yet, in recent weeks we have gradually opened up again. While some communities have resumed as before, we have deliberately been more cautious. Each step has been vigorously tested to ensure that the experience is both safe, but also comfortable.

Our community leadership has been excellent and thorough. Professional and dedicated. Hard-working and selfless. It has paid off as we are now ready to open up daily - morning and evening. Our 'Mikdash Me'at', our sacred space, is ready to welcome us back for all weekday services.

The final frontier, Friday night and Shabbat morning, is not yet in reach, but it is definitely in sight.

We have done our part, and with a mature and careful approach by everyone we will together be able to enjoy our return to the place we hold so dear.

We will then be able to sing the words "Renew our days as of old" with gusto and joy. With a newfound appreciation for what the Shul truly represents.

Of course, what we really want is a return to the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. PG that will become a reality very soon indeed!!!

Until then, let's take advantage by coming to our Shul and restoring our historic connection to it and to its people.

Take care and be safe!

Much love Rabbi Mendel Lew

This page was updated on 30 March 52551

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Thought for the week by Rabbi Mendel Lew

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