War Stories II 

Discussing the war in Gaza and the ensuing anti-Semitism brought in interesting feedback. Many readers would like to figure out balancing painful realities with regular life. Also, being more tuned-in to galus translates into reexamining our place in the culture around us. Below, a sampling of responses

Got The Memo

A lot of discussion has been centered on the idea that Hashem sends us challenges that direct us to improve and come closer to Him. How can we know exactly what we’re supposed to do and what to pinpoint?

Rav Avraham Grodzinski ztz”l, mashgiach of Slabodka, explained that back in the day, we knew where to improve because the prophets would tell us. Since the loss of prophecy, hardships became G-d’s private communication with us, guiding us as to how He wants us to shape up (Toras Avraham 14–26). What’s true for an individual is undoubtedly truer for a nation.

There are points when a lesson seems glaring. When ousted during Covid, shuls responded by fixing up prayer decorum. Likewise, the buzz in the street is that the togetherness forced on us is too striking to ignore after the strife in Israel this past year.

And while we can’t know with certainty why things happen, we see what does happen and react accordingly.