Quite the discovery this past week. The second largest diamond ever, discovered in Botswana.
It’s always interesting to read about new discoveries. It underscores the mystery and intrigue of this world, hardly life changing, though engaging.
Shortly after reading of this discovery, headline news of an extremely rare and unusual stone from the First Temple period 2700 years ago discovered at the Southern Wall of the Temple Mount during excavations — caught my attention.
This discovery holding a way larger significance. The centrality of Jerusalem for the Jewish nation and the Kingdom of Judah yet again experienced in “real-time”.
Our whole history constantly gets replayed in real time. We fasted a few weeks ago over the destruction of the Temples. We relive the exodus from Egypt in great detail every year and soon enough we will be sitting in Sukkah huts to recall the benevolence of Gd. Past and present as one.
Discoveries like this aren’t necessary to prove our existence, all one needs to do is look around. Discoveries like this help us however,connect the past with the present.
Anyone who reads Jewish history as a relic of the past is missing the point. Judaism precedes every major religion by thousands of years yet what makes it unique is, that it’s alive, well, vibrant and getting yet more vibrant, “above the ground”!!
Excavations are wonderful. One can find nuggets and diamonds. Yet the greatest diamond of discovery is truly in each of our hearts and souls. Our link to the past is discovered every day by connecting to Torah and Mitzvah. Powerfully, our connection to the past is cemented by ensuring we display the diamonds of Judaism to our children, Dor L'dor!
As the New Year approaches, it’s an opportune time to commit ourselves yet stronger to the gems of our existence, to ensure that Am Yisrael is Chai, Chai, Chai!!
With best wishes for Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Yehuda & Dina Kantor
P.S. SUPERNOVA FESTIVAL survivors to join in Westport don’t miss this unique moment.
P.P.S. As the New Year approaches we once again kick of our Partnership campaign — if you like what we do, please consider joining - here.