Today I need inspiration. A lift.
It feels like the wind has been punched out of me.
I speak for myself but I’m sure you feel likewise.
I reflect on why I feel like this. Wasn’t it sort of expected? Weren’t there many telltale signs that the Bibas children were likely not coming home alive?
As I reflect further — I know it revolves around hope. I was so hopeful that it would end differently. It drove another day. Light at the end of the tunnel.
I continue to reflect and cut through the pain — do I stop hoping? Can a Jew ever stop hoping? If I do, who do I become and what does life represent?
My faith kicks in where my hope starts fading. Hope alone can’t navigate me through this mess, I realize. Faith can. It has. It will. In turn, it allows my hope to spring eternal.
Ani Maamin. I believe. Yes, I do.
My ancestors did. I am here as a result.
My reflection is over. I now know that faith and hope need to lead to action.
I learn from my Rebbe. Our Rebbe. Upon returning from the funeral of his late wife Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka — amidst palpable sadness — he instructed his secretary to initiate the opening of a new charitable fund dedicated to supporting the various needs of Jewish woman and children.
Pain to action. Questions to action. Disbelief to action. Faith to action.
Yes. Today is a challenging day that needs to lead to a brighter tomorrow. There’s no one to rely except ourselves. Ani Maamin!!!
With much love,
Rabbi Yehuda & Dina Kantor
P.S. Tzedaka -- a call to action -- if you’d like to contribute to families of hostages or injured soldiers to be distributed on the men’s Israel trip — please do so here.
P.P.S. Prayer-- one of the pillars of the world -- Here are some prayers if you’d like to say Psalms and pray for the betterment of our brethren in the Holy Land.
P.P.P.S. The Rebbe and Eli Wiesel -- FAITH!