After the fast of Tisha b’Av this past Sunday night, I was very thankful!
- Thank G-d I do not know what true hunger means.
- Thank G-d I was afforded the opportunity to be a Chabad Rabbi.
- Thank G-d I am able to be on the giving end of helping others.
- Thank G-d I am not homeless, infirm, or struggling with addiction.
- Thank G-d many of you support our work via the Chai Partners and otherwise.
Today, Friday, is one of the best days of the year. The Talmud tells us that the 15th day of the month of Av and Yom Kippur were/are the best days for the Jews.
Why is that?
The 15th of Av is the last day on which wood may be cut for the Altar in the Bais Hamikdash. As the heat of summer starts to wane, and the rainy season begins, they did not want the (cut) wood to get wormy and/or moldy. The Jews made sure to stock up enough wood in the summer to have enough to last the year. There are many commentaries who explain why this was turned into a great celebration.
Yom Kippur is a great day. At the end of the fast, we are pure from being forgiven and we are blessed for a good year. We are also able to be grateful for all the good that we have. We can pack that appreciation away for a time when there will be challenges and to remember how blessed we are.
On occasion, we need to absorb and internalize a message so that we can fall back on it at a later time of need. Just like the wood that was packed up in the summer for the alter.
When we are fired up and inspired, we need to grab that warmth and passion and pack it up, keeping it safe and dry. Holding on to it for a time when you will need it, when we feel cold and wet.
At that time, we can use this inspiration to rekindle a fire and make it burn. We can use it to make sacrifices and be passionate about our heritage.
Take an inspired moment, make note of it, and use it to be reinvigorated in a time of need.
Count your blessings!
Have a good Shabbos.
Rabbi Kushi Schusterman
