The Coming Triumph _ Jewish Learning and Inspiration with Rabbi Yechiel Spero
The Saddest Day of the Year: A Story of Kindness and Redemption
Today is Tishabbes, also known as the saddest day of the year, but this year it falls on a Thursday. Immediately following Tishabbes will be Shabbos Nachamu, the Shabbos of Comfort, when the Almighty says to us, "Come, let me hold you, let me comfort you." As we navigate these difficult days, it's essential to find solace and perspective in stories like the one I'd like to share with you.
The Bubba Rabbit: A Man of Unwavering Kindness
The bubba rabbit was the sweetest and most wonderful of people. He had a cousin who came to him, wanting to give him a present. The question remained: what's the right gift for a rebel like this? Could he give his cousin a kiddish cup or becker? No doubt many people had already given those gifts before. Perhaps some other, more unique present was in order. The shtender of the summon box offered another option, but it was not until a simple fellow, known as the khasid, stepped forward that the gift-giving began.
The Khasid's Creative Gift
The khasid, a simple fellow with a heart full of kindness, figured that his cousin had all those gifts already. He wanted to be creative and give something truly special. Therefore, he went to the river and handed his cousin a unique gift. The rabbit was standing around with many hasidim, eagerly awaiting the opening of the box. With a smile, the khasid said, "He's the only one who truly understands the specialness, uniqueness, and very unusual gift that this is." The book he pulled out was none other than the Kinus, or Lamentations, recited today on Tishabbes.
A Book of Sadness Becomes a Song of Joy
The Kinus, a book of sadness and pain, suffering, and darkness, became an unexpected gift. However, the khasid knew that this book would one day become something more than just a source of sorrow. It would become a song of joy, a celebration of overcoming challenges and conquering demons. When you have triumphed over your struggles, when you have emerged stronger and wiser, that is cause for celebration and joy.
One Day Soon: The Day of Mashiach
The khasid's cousin looked around at the hasidim gathered before him, and he smiled. He knew that one day soon, Tishabbes would give way to Shabbos Nachamu, the Shabbos of Comfort. And on that day, the chosen ones would emerge from their struggles, victorious and redeemed. The khasid's cousin was part of this story, and he knew that his gift had played a role in bringing it about.
The Gift of Kindness: A Kiss on the Forehead
As the days passed, the khasid's cousin came to appreciate the beauty of his gift. He realized that the Kinus, once a source of sadness, was now a reminder of the kindness and creativity of those who had brought him solace. When he went to meet with his cousin again, he gave him a kiss on the forehead, thanking him for the nicest gift he had ever received. In that moment, the cycle of kindness and redemption was complete.
Today is Tishabbes, but it can also be Shabbos Nachamu, a day of comfort and solace. As we navigate these challenging days, let us remember stories like the one I shared with you. Let us strive to be kind, creative, and compassionate, just as the khasid was. And when the darkness seems overwhelming, let us hold on to the hope that one day soon, Tishabbes will give way to Shabbos Nachamu, and we will emerge victorious and redeemed.