How does one cope with unfathomable tragedy? How does one maintain their faith, and even more so their trust, in G-d when everything in life is topsy turvy? I’ve struggled with this question as of late. I know that as a Rabbi and spiritual mentor to many of you, I am supposed to be on board with every move G-d makes, even the seemingly illogical, but sorry to disappoint you, I am not. I have my moments too. Yes of course, I still believe that He’s running the show, 100%, but sometimes it just hurts too much for me to accept it all silently, so I wonder.
Then I find myself humming “Ve’afilu Behastara”.
Ve’afilu Behastara is a song with a combination of lyrics from G-d in Deuteronomy and the great Rabbi Nachman of Breslov. This beautiful melody brings to life the realities of the human struggle and the deep recognition of G-d’s Providence in all that transpires: Hashem says to us, " Children, I will conceal Myself on that day", but the Rebbe explains: Even in a concealment within a concealment, Hashem may He be blessed is certainly there And behind the the difficult things that stand before you, I stand.” It doesn’t remove the pain, the hurt or the questions, but like a mother cuddling and comforting their baby, it reminds me that when humans suffer, G-d is cuddling us and crying along with us.
In the famous poem “Footprints”, G-d tells the inquiring soul in heaven “my precious, precious child, I Love you and I would never leave you! During your times of trial and suffering when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.” As we read the book of Numbers, focused on the Jewish people’s forty year sojourn in the Sinai desert, it seems clear that during the ups and downs, dysfunctional and orderly, rebellious and faithful, G-d was there with them through it all. We had better days than others, but through it all “Hashem is certainly there”.
Even when He’s hiding, we must play along and seek!
May G-d guard our brethren in Israel and the world over from harm and send us Moshiach speedily. May He protect the armed forces of Israel and the United States wherever they may be. Shabbat Shalom! Chazak!!! L'Chaim!!!