Dear Readers..

By

Dear readers,

The Jewish nation has often been compared to a symphony. All types of instruments—which on their own may make opposite, clashing sounds—blend together to offer a melody full of body and character.

While attending the annual HASC concert last week it dawned on me just how good a parable this is:

  1. All are playing one tune,
  2. …but with different ways of expressing it.
  3. At times the focus is on one instrument having a solo.
  4. Instead of negative feelings, the other members either play low background music or are ready pick up the song at with even more enthusiasm once the solo is done.
  5. The beauty of the orchestra is because it’s a blend of so many different sounds.
  6. The more cohesion there is between members of the orchestra, the better the result.
  7. They all have their eye on one person; the conductor of the orchestra. He knows all the instruments, knows their strengths and weaknesses. And he knows when to call on a given instrument to lead the rest.

The teachings of kabbalah tell us that we all originate from one soul. This soul was split and re-split through the generations and became the Jewish people. We may have very different talents. Some are great learners, some great organizers. Some pray with all their heart, and others have a burning Ahavas Yisrael. At times a specific way is highlighted for its beauty, at other times a different one is. And yet at other times, we focus on the entire orchestra together.

Our beauty is that we play an ancient tune. This tune is the heart of civilization. Yet our orchestra is missing a main ingredient; the conductor. Without one, the band is in disarray at times. The wrong instrument may take the limelight, or the wrong song may be played altogether.

We long for our Moshe Rabbeinu, a leader who knows each of us and knows how to lead us, when to defend and when to demand. We yearn for the descendant of David HaMelech who will lead the world out of darkness and confusion and into a world of light and revelation. We yearn for Mashiach Tzidkeinu.

Wishing you a wonderful Shabbos,

Shalom