A Time to Speak: a brief message of hope, resilience, and light
“A time to be silent and a time to speak. A time to love and a time to hate; a time for war and a time for peace.” – Ecclesiastes 3:7–8
Last Shabbat, on Shemini Atzeret, words of wisdom from the Book of Ecclesiastes were read. These words are apropos of the events that transpired that day in Israel, when Israeli’s were about to celebrate Simchat Torah, usually a day of joy and dancing, in celebration of the Torah, the Etz Chayim, our way of life.
There is “a time to be silent and a time to speak” (Ecclesiastes 3:7). Today, more than ever, for the sake of Eretz Yisrael, Israelis, and Jews all around the world, today, is not a time to remain silent; rather, today is most significantly a time to be outspoken. Primarily, it is a time to speak to H’Shem, Who views Israel as “the apple of His eye.” His gaze is upon Israel day and night, and all throughout the seasons. On Shemini Atzeret, upon the religious calendar, the season of the Mediterranean cool, rainy winter began in Israel, and with the seasonal change, war also arrived upon the southern border of Israel.
Through prayer we appeal to the Almighty, as in all previous generations, for the courage, hope, and reassurance that light will triumph over darkness. We should not even doubt in the slightest, because, ultimately, the promises of G-d to the Children of Israel will be fulfilled. We look forward to a time of peace and harmony, under the banner of Moshiach who will reign from Jerusalem, according to G-d’s timing.
Yet, the road toward that day is fraught with times of trouble, the darkness before the dawn. Yet, “the path of the righteous is as the light of dawn, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day” (Proverbs 4:18, PS). Let us look forward to that day with sincere and heartfelt expectation, despite the darkness that currently surrounds us. For, this is emunah (faith).
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