Devarim
Jews and Unmet Expectations
Dear Friend,
This past Shabbat in Jerusalem, less than a mile from the site of the Holy Temple, a guest at our table reminded me that “expectations are resentments waiting to happen.” Indeed, predetermining the future is often the surest route to disappointment. Yet Maimonides’s thirteen principles of the Jewish faith includes, “I believe with complete faith in the coming of Moshiach, and although he may tarry, nevertheless, I wait every day for him to come.”
Day after day, year after year, we have waited, for thousands of years, expectantly but without resentment. How is that possible? There are many ways to approach this question, and much to learn on Chabad.org about the many deep meanings of Tisha B’Av, exile and redemption.
But one concept is central: Like parents who believe in their children no matter what, G‑d believes in us. And we believe in Him. We are believers, children of believers, certain of G‑d’s goodness, no matter how hidden that goodness may be. Our faith transcends resentment and unmet expectations.
Whether this Tisha B’Av will be a day of fasting or feasting, we
believe with a perfect faith that we are closer to the final redemption than
ever before, and we will continue to joyously await its imminent arrival.
Yaakov Ort
on behalf of the Chabad.org Editorial Team
On Shabbat, all public displays of mourning are strictly prohibited. This causes changes in many of the Tisha B’Av laws and customs.
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