Tzav (Purim)
The Jews and the Japanese, this week has proven, have something in common: the inner fortitude to endure whatever comes at us and keep on going, heads high in the air.
For Japan, it was a disaster that would have flattened any other country its size. For the Jews, it was a horrifying tragedy, an act of unspeakable barbarism directly incited and supported by those with whom the world demands we negotiate.
The Japanese can be admired for busily putting life back together amidst the chaos and loss of human life. We Jews persist in building and replenishing our land with greater determination than ever before. And as soon as anyone offers true peace, we will be the first to embrace them.
While we mourn, we build. As we shudder in horror, we prepare to rejoice in the wild joy of Purim. That is how it was in Queen Esther’s time, and that is how it has been throughout 3300 years of history—crushed to the ground, we have miraculously sprung back; pulverized to dust, we have reorganized ourselves back into a living being. As Japan rebuilds bridges and towers, we renew our souls, with joy and with optimism. For we are the eternal people, with an eternal Torah upon our eternally promised land.
Tzvi Freeman,
on behalf of the Chabad.org Editorial Team
P.S. Please take a moment to write a message or mitzvah resolution to the Fogel orphans.
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