Light

Tomorrow there will be a solar eclipse, when the moon blocks the light of the sun. It’s a time of darkness in the middle of the day. And it’s a time for reflection on how we can improve our world; how we can light up the darkness.

These days the world faces many challenges. Israelis in particular are dealing with the trauma of a horrific attack this past Simchat Torah. Israel has destroyed much of Hamas, but recently Israel withdrew many troops from Gaza and, under U.S. pressure, has opened more aid routes. Netanyahu seems reluctant to enter Rafah and thus jeopardize the hostages. Meanwhile Hezbollah keeps attacking, and Iran threatens retaliation for their generals’ deaths. The world keeps screaming at Israel, and worldwide antisemitism has risen.

Tuesday, the day after the eclipse, will be the first day of the Jewish month of Nisan. Our sages say that the Jewish people were redeemed from Egypt in the month of Nisan, and in Nisan they will be redeemed.

Perhaps this Nisan we will experience our final and complete Redemption. After the past Simchat Torah, Jews became much more united, much more savvy about not giving away land, and much more in touch with their Jewish identity and with G-d. This extraordinary spiritual awakening can be a prelude to the complete Redemption, spiritually and physically together.

Things look promising. There is a Chassidic expression, that from darkness evolves an increase of light.

Perhaps this Passover will be celebrated  by all Jews in Jerusalem, as darkness and evil is banished forever, and as the prophet states (Isaiah 11; 9): The entire world will be filled with knowledge of G-d, just as the waters cover the sea.

May it happen very soon.