Malachei Rachamim is a song that encapsulates the powerful emotions of Elul and the Yomim Noraim. From the very first notes, the song sweeps the listener into a place of vulnerability, where we stand before Hashem, fully aware of our shortcomings yet filled with hope for His compassion. The music rises and falls, swelling into an emotional plea, moving from fear to hope, from uncertainty to trust in Hashem’s kindness.
Good evening, friends. I present to you part three of what has been our joint musical journey through these uncharted times. A quick thank you goes out for the kind comments and endless encouragement that I have received throughout this unprecedented period. It means...
Good afternoon, and a gutten Chodesh Kislev to each of you. Over the past month and a half, every single one of us have been tasked to navigate a vast array of feelings, emotions and tests of faith, the likes of which most of us have never experienced before. The task...
This Shabbos coincides with Rosh Chodesh, and we will recite Hallel to praise and thank Hashem – for the past, present and the future – for redeeming us and sustaining us with His abundant kindness. Kapital 118, for example, speaks prophetically of the Redemption, and describes the praise and thanks that will be sung then by the ingathered exiles. It describes our trust in Hashem, and our firm belief in His salvation regardless of the situation.
The shminis that is to be played l’asid lavo will come into existence when we once again achieve the great level of achdus that we are truly capable of; a level that we so excellently exhibited when we initially accepted the Torah. When that day comes, the 8th note will be heard; The perfect unity of music, symbolized by the perfect unity of mankind.
In Parshas Vayishlach, Yaakov Avinu shows us exactly how to deal with challenges: wrestle with it, refuse to let it go until it blesses you – until you emerge stronger, better and wiser than before. Remember, we’re called Bnei Yisroel for a reason.
Mordechai, Esther, and the entire story of Purim showed us that the correct response to all our troubles is a healthy dose of genuine remorse, earnest prayer, and the commitment to help those around us. And when we follow these steps, we can trust that Hashem will do His part and tear up any detrimental decrees.
Later, when they had some quiet time to talk, Yisro said, “I was just wondering, we haven’t had more than a few moments to chat. Where are you from?”
The boy looked pained, then stared down at the floor and said softly, “Ramallah.”
Yisro’s heart skipped a beat. He was sure he’d heard the boy say “Ramallah,” a large Arab city on the West Bank. Quickly he caught himself, and then realized that he must have said Ramleh, an Israeli city. Yisro said, “Oh, I have a cousin there. Do you know Ephraim Warner? He lives on Herzl Street.”
The young man shook his head sadly. “There are no Jews in Ramallah.”