We have just concluded the saddest time of the year. 

Last week we commemorated the time we lost the first and second Temples and the period of mourning is segueing into a time of consolation. 

There is a powerful image shared with us by our Sages. 

In the Talmud it describes the shocking final scene of the destruction of the Temple. While the edifice was going up in flames, the cohort of young Kohanim, the Priests, who were charged with the service in the Temple,  realized the end had come. The Talmud depicts the haunting scene  as they watch the holy building going up in flames. Holding the keys to the building in their hands they declare to Gd that since they were not worthy to remain the stewards of this holy place and it’s endeavors, they are, so to speak, returning the keys to Gd. The Talmud states they then threw the keys heavenward and a “hand” reached out and caught the keys for safekeeping. 

This depiction reveals the despair of those tragic days, and the utter hopelessness that prevailed. 

We are still trying to find the keys to unlock the gates of redemption. 

The seven weeks between the 9th of Av and Rosh Hashana are called the 7 weeks of consolation. 

Each week, we read different passages from the prophets in the weekly Haftorahs that give us hope that all is not lost and we can continue to unlock doors which will bring us to personal and national redemption. 

Sometimes, in our personal or national lives we will experience events that will illustrate for us the reality that doors which may be locked and are preventing us from moving forward in our journey may ultimately swing open when least expected.