On Sunday, just before the start of school, after spending almost three weeks at overnight camp in Lake Worth, Florida, Chaya flew home from Fort Lauderdale, as an Unaccompanied Minor. She did great and the smile on her face when she walked up the jetway and saw me, Menny and Zeesy waiting for her, was out of this world. I never understood the title “Unaccompanied Minor”. These “Unaccompanied” children are the only passengers that are “Accompanied” by airline staff and yet because it’s not the natural “accompaniers” they are considered “Unaccompanied”.
In this week’s Torah portion, Ki-Tavo, we read about the various agricultural gifts that one is obligated to give in the land of Israel. Coming on the heels of the battle with Amalek, the Midrash teaches that Moses was reminding Jewry, that unlike Amalek who despised humanity’s recognition of G-d, we must never forget that the produce of our fields, the fruits of our orchards, the grapes in our vineyards, are all a Divine gift to us and we must share it with the Kohen, the Levi, the orphan, the pauper, the widow and the convert. Often, we are accompanied in life by good people, helpful people, loving people, but we still feel “unaccompanied”, alone, as we are missing our natural protectors, our parents, or in this case, our Father in Heaven.
Life, like a long flight, has plenty of turbulence, the people around us aren’t always pleasant, the climate outside isn’t always friendly and sometimes the seats aren’t even comfortable. Yet, we make it through life, doing the best we can, while giving our pilot, who also happens to be our accompanying flight attendant, the credit that He is due for getting us through it. There is a beautiful song, originating from the Skulener Chassidim of Romania, on the words in the Book of Lamentations “ Chasdei Hashem Ki Lo Somnu Ki Lo Chalu Rachamov - Verily, the kindnesses of the Lord never cease! Indeed, His mercies never fail ”. It should warm our hearts to know that G-d doesn’t give us off to others, He was, is and will always be our personal attendant.
Don’t fly alone!
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!!!