Are you also feeling anxious?
As we closely follow the news of Iran and its proxies threatening Israel, especially after the successful elimination of notorious murderers, and with our hostages still in Gaza, one can’t help but feel anxious. How do we stay positive?
We are about to enter a more intense period of national mourning with the arrival of the new month of Av, the 9th day of which marks the fast of Tisha B'Av. But did you know that this month is actually called 'Menachem Av'? In fact, that's how it will be identified tomorrow morning when we bless the new month.
The term 'Menachem Av' means 'Comfort the Father'. But wait a minute, while we, the Jewish people, are suffering in exile, witnessing a resurgence of antisemitism, and still reeling from the deadly Hamas attack nine months ago and who knows what the coming weeks will bring, G-d protect us. Isn’t it us, the people, who need to be comforted and consoled by G-d, rather than us comforting G-d? Does G-d even need comforting?
The saying goes, ‘You’re only as happy as your least happy child.’ Every parent knows that when a child is in distress, the parent shares in that distress, often experiencing even greater anguish than the child.
So too, our Father in heaven shares in the struggles of His beloved children, the Jewish people. We never suffer alone. During this season, when we seek comfort from G-d and reassurance of His love and protection, we are also called to, so to speak, return the favor and console G-d Almighty due to His pain from seeing His children suffering.
In these precarious times, let us increase our prayers and acts of kindness so that G-d protects His people, especially those in Israel. May we see the eradication of every last vestige of evil and may these days be transformed into joy and happiness. Amen.