How is your jug of oil?…asks Rabbi Michoel Gourarie
What is happening to our world? Terrorist attacks in France, stabbings/shootings in Israel, and worldwide security alert updates are all making me depressed. I feel like I am losing my conviction, passion, and faith. I know that this is wrong but what should I do with all this negativity?
Answer:
Rabbi Michoel Gourarie
As I write I am watching a live feed of an extremely joyous wedding in Jerusalem of Sarah Techiya Litman and Ariel Biegel.
The original wedding date, November 17, had to be postponed after Sara Techiya’s father and 18-year-old brother, Yaakov and Netanel Litman, were murdered by terrorists just days before the wedding while en-route to a pre-wedding celebration.
The couple decided to invite Jews everywhere to join them. Guests from all over the world have travelled to take part.
We cannot interpret or explain tragedy in Israel or anywhere else. But we can observe and learn from the incredible, miraculous reliance and conviction that our brothers and sisters have and their determination not to let the enemy win. We can be inspired and endeavour to absorb the fiery faith that an orphaned bride can display a week after her tragic loss. We can emulate this belief in the eternity of our nation and declare with pride – Am Yisrael Chai.
In just over a week we will celebrate Chanukah – a festival of miracles. A small jug of oil that naturally could only last for one day, burned for eight.
We all have our own jug of oil that burns within us. If we allow ourselves to be trapped and affected by the apparent doom and gloom it will burn for a limited time. But if we transcend our natural abilities we will discover the miraculous ability of that little jug, and the faith, passion, determination and pride will never stop.
Learn from the bride and groom and find your Chanukah miracle within yourself. Let us also fight back with joy and our head held high and improve in prayer and good deeds each day. Very soon we will see peace and security in the land of Israel and the rebuilding of the Beit Hamikdash with the golden Menorah burning in all its glory.
