Redemption through pain: Aliyah and the 3 weeks

As I commemorate today living in Israel for 10 years, it has given me an opportunity to reflect.

While working at the hospital yesterday, a colleague asked me if after October 7 I regret moving here, as it’s been so challenging.

I responded that while none of us could have expected the trauma of October 7 and its aftermath, we still do not regret our decision to make aliyah.

Yesterday we began the period of the three weeks, which commemorates Nevuchadnezzar’s siege on Jerusalem, culminating in the destruction of the Beis Hamikdash, mass murder of the Jewish people, and their exile.

Despite all of the difficulties and traumas we have faced over the last two years, which are quite real, we are fortunate to be living in a time where we are returning and slowly rebuilding what was once totally broken.

The Gemara writes כל המתאבל על ירושלים זוכה ורואה בבנינה – “Whomever mourns Jerusalem will merit to see it rebuilt”. While obviously caring and praying for the geula is essential, it is at least as important, if not more important, to take concrete steps to rebuild.

A similar idea is expressed by King David in Tehillim: הזורעים בדמעה ברינה יקצרו – Though they plant in tears, they will reap in song.

When we are actively involved by living in, rebuilding and restoring Eretz Yisrael, we can feel that much more a part of its success.

It is hard to feel that same connection when observing from afar.

While I never planned on having me join the army, my family understood that this too is part of the job of being מתאבל על ירושלים, of mourning Jerusalem, to help protect the Jewish people during its difficult times on its way to a גאולה שלימה, our complete redemption.