Shabbat Chaye Sarah Cheshvan 21 5771 October 29, 2010
Shalom,
During the last few weeks, our community suffered an unusual number of many sad losses. Throughout Jewish history different communities created various approaches to similar situations. However, the common denominator in every case, was the need to have a "cheshbon nesfesh." Literally translated as an accounting of the soul, it really means more like an effort at introspection and soul searching.
Practices such as communal fast days, reciting slichot, extra prayers, giving tzedaka were instituted by rabbis of communities who suffered many losses because they believed that multiple deaths is a message that "something is wrong." It is important to understand that these practices are not just old irrelevant traditions but very much alive among many communities.
Of course, this is NOT to imply, directly or indirectly that something is wrong in our community but I do think that this has significance. Perhaps it is more about the fact that death, especially when sudden or multiple, puts us in a certain state of mind and causes us to think.
Throughout these difficult days our community rose to the occasion and performed a tremendous amount of chessed. From the volunteers at the Chevra Kadisha who perform the ritual tahara, to maintaining several daily minyanim, to providing meals to the mourners, reciting Tehilim on behalf of the sick and much more, we saw the potential of our community to answer a call, to do what is necessary, to heal, and to comfort. I think we need to do just such a cheshbon nefesh and ask ourselves why it is that we, as a community, can provide so much in difficult times, but not on a regular basis?!
There is so much need out there and we all should be attending to these needs. Why do we need death to be knocking on our door to go the extra mile for our fellow congregantts, for our friends and neighbors?
May we all incorporate more acts of kindness into our daily lives, may we hear only good news, and may we all be blessed to share many smachot in the future.
Shabbat Shalom from Jerusalem,
Arik Wollheim
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