It’s counter-intuitive but life experience corroborates the Talmudic principle that, “the person experiencing a miracle doesn’t identify the experience as a miracle”.
One can philosophize why this is the case but suffice to say, we live in a fast paced world where we merely see a fraction of the picture — it’s virtually impossible to discern the plethora of miracles that surround us constantly.
…And then there are the times that it’s impossible not to see the direct hand of Gd at play.
I was amazed when reading of the averted near terror bombing in Tel Aviv earlier this week. A man with a backpack full of explosives on his way to wreak devastation just meters from an active synagogue and shopping mall. No one knows what caused the explosives to detonate suddenly on the way to his intended location resulting in the demise of the terrorist alone, disaster averted.
Perhaps you read of the earthquake in Syria / Lebanon last week. It took place on Tisha B’av — the saddest day in the Jewish calendar — a day that disaster after disaster has transpired on and as a result of, this sad day. This year, the Jewish world had an added factor to be concerned about — reports in the media had Iran and Hezbollah, specifically starting war on this day.
Whether that’s the case or not is irrelevant. What is relevant is, a not insignificant earthquake happening on this day. Imagine for a second, an enemy whose whole modus operandi is hiding beneath the earth in an intricate web of tunnels and silos that house missiles, explosives and all sorts of weapons of destruction. Suddenly experiencing a natural disaster that can only originate from a Divine source and not the machinations of man. Not to speak of what happens to a tunnel when there’s an earthquake —a miracle to be sure.
Doubtful?
That’s precise point. It’s difficult to discern. Or is it?
After all, the very existence of the Jewish nation is a miracle. Of that, there’s no doubt. Our history is a clear story of the guiding hand and protective shield of Gd.
Yet for all of the miracles that are directed from the One Above, it’s only due to the heroic, unyielding, joyous & selfless inspiration of each of us in our respective roles of parents, teachers and leaders that ensure Jewish continuity, literacy and Jewish vibrancy and that is a miracle that is in each of our hands… onwards and upwards— Am Yisrael Chai!
With best wishes for Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Yehuda & Dina Kantor
P.S. Don’t miss the TWO unique moments to connect with our heroic brothers and sisters in Israel.
1. Our community will have the great honor of unifying with Prayer and Mitzvah with former hostage Moran Stella Yannai — click here to join the Challah bake.
2. Brothers Daniel and Neria Sharabi, SUPERNOVA FESTIVAL survivors.. don’t miss this unique moment.