* Translation by Yehoshua Siskin
I remember when, a while ago, a famous individual passed away and, within 15 minutes, someone wrote me on Instagram that it was a shame I had not yet written anything about him.
We are accustomed to reading or hearing immediate reactions to events the moment they happen. Commentary on what just happened is expected instantaneously and the one who is quickest to respond is considered — often mistakenly — to be the most perspicacious and well-informed.
This week we begin reading the book of Deuteronomy. The Torah teaches us how we should examine events. Only after 40 years of leadership does Moshe Rabbeinu, in his farewell address to the nation, comment on the meaning of what transpired during the people’s desert journey.
He looks back with wisdom accumulated over a lifetime, with a perspective based on vast experience, and explains the deeper meaning of past events. What frightened us in the past is of marginal concern today, and what seemed unimportant at one time is now of vital and eternal significance. We are better equipped to understand our past errors and successes. All the details that confused us are now understood in the context of our magnificent story.
Such perspective is vital in every area of our lives, including daily challenges to married and family life that are especially prominent during our long summer vacation..
Are you having a hard time today? Take a breather. Challenge and struggle are part of a necessary process, to be recorded in a personal “book of Deuteronomy” that each of us may write in the fullness of time.
May we hear only good news.
