A few days ago, I heard a beautiful interpretation of the well known words in Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) that we read this past Shabbat. 

 

A season is set for everything, a time for every experience under heaven:

A time for being born and a time for dying,

A time for planting and a time for uprooting the planted;

A time for slaying and a time for healing,

A time for tearing down and a time for building up;

A time for weeping and a time for laughing,

A time for wailing and a time for dancing;

A time for throwing stones and a time for gathering stones,

A time for embracing and a time for shunning embraces;

A time for seeking and a time for losing,

A time for keeping and a time for discarding;

A time for ripping and a time for sewing,

A time for silence and a time for speaking;

A time for loving and a time for hating;

A time for war and a time for peace.

 

We often interpret these lines as exclusive, meaning that only one of each duality can be true at the same time. But one of the commentators suggests that we are blessed and challenged to be able to experience a multiplicity of these ‘times’ all at once. 

 

I feel that this has rarely been more true than today, as we approach Simchat Torah, trying to grasp and experience the joy of the holiday, but feeling the dread of memory and experience of last year stretching its dark hands out towards us. 

 

It has been our experience as Jews throughout the last two millennia and more to experience these tragedies and triumphs all at once. How can we celebrate while we fight? How can we mourn while we recognize and lift up our heritage? How can we be welcoming when we are under threat? And how do we cope with it all?

 

Many if not most in our community are grappling with this challenge right now. It is remarkable that we have developed the resilience that allows us to function in such circumstances. It is even more incredible that our sisters and brothers in Israel can console, rebuild, demand action, and prosecute a seven front war at the same time. But we can, because we must. 

 

For those who need help, I proudly suggest that you reach out to our tremendous community resource, Rockland Jewish Family Service. You are not alone if you are struggling. Many are. I am. It’s ok to reach out and ask for help. Connect with rjfs.org. 

 

May this year’s Simchat Torah become a bridge between sorrow and joy, and may the next one be both peaceful and joyful for us all.