“RABBI’S MUSINGS (& AMUSINGS)”
Erev Shabbos Kodesh parshas Pinchos
22 Tamuz 5781/July 2, 2021
Mevorchim chodesh Menachem Av
Avos perek 1
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לרפואה שלימה נטע יצחק בן רחל
REPAIRING THE CRACKS
One morning when I
came down to my basement office, I noticed that the carpet was wet. It had
rained hard the previous evening and it was clear that rain had seeped in from
outside. The handyman we called to assess the problem told us that there was a
thin crack in the outside wall of the house, and it was from there that rain
had gotten in and soaked the carpet.
Aside from
the crack itself there was a far bigger concern of the crack widening causing far
worse damage. It wasn’t cheap, but we had him repair the crack to ensure that
no more rain would get in.
The fast of
Shiva Asar b’Tammuz commemorates the walls of Yerushalayim being breached by
the Roman forces that had laid siege around the city. Three weeks later the
Bais Hamikdash was destroyed. Once the walls had been breached the city was
indefensible and utter destruction was imminent.
Often there
are cracks that develop in our personal spiritual and emotional defenses. They
may be very subtle and at times almost imperceptible. We can choose to ignore
them, hoping in vain that they will solve and cure themselves. Or we can make
the uncomfortable decision to confront the issues and to figure out how to seal
the cracks before they worsen.
Although it
seems obvious which is the prudent and wise choice, the reality is that we
often choose the former because it’s the path of least resistance. Sadly,
ignoring issues do not make them go away. Issues that are swept under the rug
continue to amass until it causes everyone to trip over the concealed yet
bulging mass.
During the
three Shabbasos of the Three Weeks of mourning for the Bais Hamikdash between
the fasts of Shiva Asar b’Tammuz and Tisha b’Av, we read three haftoras which
contain harsh and painful words of rebuke of the prophets. The first is of the
first chapter of Sefer Yirmiyah where Hashem compellingly appoints Yirmiyah as
the prophet who would warn the nation of the impending disaster and destruction.
The tragedy
of Yirmiyah and his prophecies is that the destruction could have been averted
if the nation would have only heeded his pleas, cajoles and warnings. But the
nation didn’t want to recognize the proverbial writing or cracks in the wall.
The great prophet was scorned, mocked, abused, beaten and imprisoned.
Ultimately,
Yermiyah was painfully vindicated when all his prophecies were fulfilled. At
that point, as the shamed nation was being led into exile, they cried. But by
then it was too late.
The jarring
reality is that this is not an ancient story. At times it plays out within our
own lives as well.
The famous
serenity prayer states: “G-d, grant me the serenity to accept the things I
cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know
the difference.” There are times when we beat a dead horse, trying to
accomplish things beyond our capability or purview. At other times however,
when we may have the ability to effect changes, we avoid doing so because those
changes are arduous and daunting. Plunging ahead requires courage and
confidence to push through our natural resistance. Doing so may be painful in
the short term but it will be rewarding in the long run.
The fast of
Shiva Asar b’Tamuz reminds us - not only of the historical painful consequences
of not heeding the message of breached walls - but also of the danger of not
paying attention to the breaches in our own lives.
If we adhere
to the messages of the Yirmiyahs in our own lives, we can be optimistic that
the Tisha b’Avs can be prevented as well.
Shabbat Shalom & Good Shabbos,
R’ Dani and Chani Staum