Good afternoon, dear friends. As is still the case, it has been hard enough trying to describe the mix of emotions that we have been experiencing, let alone trying to keep track of when is and isn’t an appropriate time to feel that way. We go from shiva call to sheva...
This Shabbos, it is especially fitting that we keep in mind the words of Retzei: “…she’lo te’hei tzarah v’yagon va’anacha b’yom menuchaseinu…,” that there be no distress, no grief, no pain or suffering for ourselves or for any of our fellow Yidden, “v’hareinu Hashem Elokeinu b’nechamas Tzion irecha…,” that we merit to bear witness to the ultimate comfort – the nechamas Tzion – with the immediate rebuilding of the Beis Hamikdash.
At the end of every Shabbos, as we begin Havdalah and prepare ourselves for yet another week of unknown, we do so by symbolically overflowing our cups with the sweet blessing we hope and pray will fill our lives. With the words that we say each Motzei Shabbos, we confirm our belief in this Divine blessing, while at the same time acknowledging our firm trust in its Source.
In these words, we are being told that when we follow the Torah and perform the mitzvos with love, then the sky’s the limit, and that truly, no enemy can touch us. Now that is something to sing about.
If there is one thing you’ve learned from our weekly posts, it’s that every Shabbos zemer has a lot more going on than what meets the eye. Hidden beneath the surface of each poetic allusion and mystical reference, one can discover layer upon profound layer of deeper meanings, each of seismic spiritual significance.