08/07/2020
What do you do when the music stops?
Tonight is the 17th of Tammuz which means tomorrow morning there is a sunrise to sunset fast.
The 17th of Tammuz also marks the beginning of the 3 weeks - a period of national Jewish mourning which cumulates on Tisha B’Av (the 9th of Av) the date of destruction for both Temples. During these weeks, we reduce our joy by not having celebrations, not cutting our hair and not listening to music.
And honestly, this year going into this time period is just a bit more bitter for me. Usually, this time of year is the busiest for Neve. We are packed with special groups, summer visitors, the energy is through the roof.
And this year, it is silent.
The hallways are mostly empty.
The books alone on the shelves.
The building is here but the energy isn’t.
The music of Neve has stopped.
Perek 137 of Tehillim was written by David HaMelech in prophecy describing the feeling of Am Israel as they were exiled to Babylon.
As it the chapter open, the children of Israel are sitting on the banks of river in Babylon and are told to sing...and their question is so painful
“How shall we sing the song of Hashem on foreign soil?"
If I forget you, O Jerusalem, may my right hand forget [its skill].”
That’s what we are meant to be feeling during these weeks - the loss of what once was. Connect to the longing for Jerusalem, the longing for the return.
But also, these weeks are about holding onto to hope.
Ladies, Hashem never left us. His presence went with us to Babylon and He is with us now too. We found a way to sing even in exile. We found a connection until Hashem brought us home. And so with where we are now. Yes, the building of Neve sits silent but the song of Neve is still being sung (on zoom, social media, WhatsApp).
I know Hashem will bring us back. We haven’t forgotten Jerusalem and hopefully soon, Hashem will let us all come back.
Neve will again be filled with the song of Torah learning and maybe, please G-d, if we merit it - the song of the FINAL redemption as well.
May your fast be easy and meaningful.