At times one must distance oneself from the ugly reality of everyday life these days and invest, instead, in the joy of the moment, hoping and praying that the moment continues for years into the future. I apologize to my readers for neglecting to write that there would be a day of no entry due to flying and the obstacle course that flying these days has turned into. So, sorry. On the other hand, what a glorious time was had by all.
Then reality strikes. Ugly reality. Contrasts so stark that one wonders how one is ever to meld the differences into a workable whole, fit all the jigsaw pieces in with no single piece missing to spoil the entire puzzle. The ugliness, the petty meanness, the vanity and spitefulness of those engaging in these squabbles so stupid, yet so dangerous to our nation have embittered so many so as to preclude unity within groupings which used to maintain ties of goodness and concern through thick and thin.
Blood was blood. Friendships were tethered with sinews, proud and thick. Open conversation was allowed, differences were celebrated as well as similarities, with the latter stronger, more powerful, than the former. Religious differences and standards were allowed without group censure, tolerated, even if close to anathema for some.
Today, that piece, those pieces, of the puzzle have gone missing. Seek as hard as we can, they remain invisible to the naked eye, ruining what could be, what should be, a beautiful conclusion, result, of tolerance, of moral value, of acceptance of the innate beauty within all humanity. We despair, wondering whether we will ever be able to finish that puzzle, bask in the accomplishment, the glory, the victory and its importance.
This past Sunday afternoon and evening proves that such an accomplishment remains within our grasp. Tolerance, attention to the ties that bind rather than to the words which divide - it works. It really does. If we could only bottle that essence, remind people that it does exist, that elusive and evasive possibility, that seeming impossibility these days. We have only to seek better, work better, feel better.
There is no doubt about the fact that the Jewish people are in the midst of great differences - of opinions, observances, thoughts about Israel -differences which often preclude friendships, relationships, unity, and befog the truth of it all; be it as it may, we are one people and must remember that, feel it in the marrow of our bones.
Sunday evening it all came together. Varying dress, varying levels and standards, clashing political opinions - it all made no never mind. There before our eyes, two young people were married. Their love for each other shined brightly, and even in the moment of gravitas of a sealing together, of two into one, these two were able to smile, to speak with love and humor. It produced a joy, a hope, that there is indeed the possibility of finding those missing pieces, reminding all of the tethers that bind, rather than the differences which shred all in its path. The power, the strength of tradition - was totally awesome. The tears of joy fell upon the cheeks of many. The celebration after the ceremony was amazing, simply amazing, as all danced, the men whirling, stomping and the women creating new dances, new paths to portray their joy and happiness for this couple. The chatan, the groom, danced for his kallah, his bride, his partner for life, and the hearts of all were overflowing.
Two characters in a novel were having a serious conversation at a crossing point. One stated that not everything has to make sense. "Some of the most important things in in our lives defy reason... here is my secret, a very simple secret. It is only with the heart that one can see rightly, what is essential is invisible to the eye."
Open the hearts. Clear the connection to the soul.
That is the path. That is the way. Possible? Yes. Hard work? Yes. So let us all get started.
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