I have started writing this post numerous times.
I write and then I erase my words and start over.
I can’t get seem to get it right so I keep beginning over and over again.
There is so much in my mind and heart which I’m sure is reflected in yours as well.
The elation and disbelief at the return of the hostages.
I can’t stop watching the unbridled joy of reunions between loved ones and I cry again and again.
Then the sadness that is the lot of those whose loved ones are not returning alive and the pain that accompanies their arrival back to the bosom of their families as they return to the embrace of the soil of the Land of Israel. And the pain of the families who still await the arrival of their beloved ones, who pray to provide the dignity of a Jewish burial.
I’ve gone and written that.
But I want to begin again.
These words seem so paltry in the face of the reality they are meant to describe.
How can I commit to the written word the majesty of Matan Angrest, weak and pale, a recently released hostage of but a few days who
Insisted on attending the funeral of Captain Daniel Perez, his commanding officer.
He said he had to attend to honor Daniel h’yd who will be his commander forever.
And we hear of Rom Braslavski who was held in horrifying conditions. He was told he would get food if he would convert to Islam. He refused categorically. When he returned he said “I am Jewish…I am strong”
Matan Angrest was tortured by his captors. But he did not let them break his spirit and insisted on getting a siddur which incredibly he was given.
There are no words to plumb the depths of these heroes whose faith was strengthened in the dungeons of Gaza.
They clung to that faith and it carried them through.
It is hard to imagine how these people can return to life.
To begin again.
But Gd, at this very time says just the right word.
Breishit
In the beginning.
It’s a time of new beginnings.

Once again we will start the cycle of the Torah.
We will begin anew.
Raquel Kirschenbaum articulates the meaning of this beginning.
She says that Gd tells us, this is where it starts. Gd created a world where human beings have the opportunity to make choices. To choose to be like Gd.
Breishit, this is the beginning of a world that Gd chose to make. It was not an accident.
Gd really wanted us here.
Gd wanted each and every one of us on this planet to do good and make a difference.
This week the Jewish people suffered another loss.
Rabbi Moshe Hauer, the executive Vice President of the Orthodox Union died suddenly.
Rabbi Hauer was a master teacher and a man of impeccable integrity. He was a Torah scholar and a mentor to many rabbis and lay leaders. He was a respected voice of Torah and faith for Jews worldwide.
He was eulogized today by his mentor who identified that one aspect of Rabbi Hauer’s greatness was his clarity of vision. He had a dream to glorify Gd in this world by helping Jews, the individual in need and the community at large. His passion and drive were directed to uplift those in need and he knew that the prodigious talents he had been gifted with were to be put to that task. He leaves us with many words and a charge to make a difference and use our gifts to help one another.
It’s a time of new beginnings.
Yet it is such an overwhelming time as well.
There is so much to process.
There is deep joy and profound sadness.
Through it all, it may be very hard to find the right words.
The words we will use to process and move forward in our own mission in this world.
But time is short.
We have to get started.
So Gd gives us the word.
Breishit-in the beginning.
Just make a start.
Like Rabbi Hauer-look for a need and take a stab at filling the hole.
Despite his international role, Rabbi Hauer never forgot the individual in pain.
Take heart from the greatness in whose midst we find ourselves.
The mild mannered soldier who found faith in the darkest of places.
Let’s just make a beginning together, and then the rest of the words will come.
Shabbat Shalom and so much love!