JEWISH HOME LA

Dear Readers,

First of all, wishes for a refuah sheleimah to all those who need it. May Hashem ease the pain of all those suffering with the coming of Mashiach now.

What a two weeks it has been. Everyone is at home here, and there’s no definite end in sight. Bunkering up with a group of human beings with nowhere to go offers a heavy dose of humility. Truthfully, I thought it would be worse. In a non-wished-for way, it forced me to see the personality of each individual, each one with their tastes, habits, good character traits and not such great ones. I better understand their disappointments, anxieties, and dreams.

Other people are alone, with fewer distractions. It must be extremely difficult to say the least.

This has really forced us all to recognize the individuality of each and every one of us, beginning with ourselves. Who are we? What do we believe? What do we hope for?

Adding in ahavas Yisrael is probably the best spiritual antidote we can do right now. Practice being more tolerant of our family members’ idiosyncrasies. Learn with a child we don’t always have patience for. Play a board game. Give a random hug and say, “You’re special.” Phone a person who is alone to schmooze or just check-in.

If we were put in this situation, then we should maximize it to strengthen human bonds.

Each of us bettering ourselves, polishing the family unit, giving a helping hand to those we can help—these acts will surely add much light and tip the scales of judgment to the side of righteousness, bringing redemption and healing to each of us as well as the world at large.

“In Nissan we were redeemed, and in Nissan we will be redeemed again.” (RH 11a)

Wishing you a happy, healthy, and—as much as possible—joyous Zeman Cheirusenu,

Shalom