‘Even when the world didn’t make sense to him, Judaism did’

These were the words shared with our daily minyan yesterday morning, as someone was concluding her 11-months of Kaddish in her father’s memory. She was sharing some special thoughts about his beloved life. Then she concluded, “Even when the world didn’t make sense to him, Judaism did.” 

I really like this sentiment. I actually adore it. Particularly these days. 

One important way Judaism makes sense is that it loves emotional honesty. When you’re afraid, express it. When you’re mad, don’t hide it. Whether you’re feeling terrific or troubled, Judaism expects you to give full expression to what’s in your heart. 

The same is true about the Hebrew Calendar. It holds seasons for every kind of feeling. This Shabbat and the days that follow lead our people down to the Mourner’s bench with the arrival of the Fast of Av this Monday evening and Tuesday. 

The dominant Hebrew word that captures our sorrow is Eicha, which laments: how could such destruction have happened? Even as two prior Prophets, Moses and Isaiah, will utter the word this Shabbat (Deut: 1:12; Is. 1:21), the Lamentations of Jeremiah this Monday night evoke Eicha most poignantly. 

This year the pages of Lamentations will be moist. 

Not merely because of October 7th’s savagery. Nor merely because of the infernal hatred for our people that’s been released since then. But also because many of us fear, quite appropriately, that more suffering and loss lie ahead. 

Here’s a final thought about Judaism’s wise approach to emotions: when one is fully-felt, another can be too. You can fully feel joy because you’ve fully felt sadness. Perhaps only because.

May we fully bring our broken-hearts to Tisha B’Av observance this week, and, in so doing, may we, someday soon, find ourselves eager to dance with exhilarating happiness and hopefulness.