These three stories all took place during this week leading up to Tisha B'Av, this most tragic of days in Jewish history. Twice Jerusalem and the Temples were destroyed, the edict expelling the Jews from Spain was issued, thirteen Soviet Jewish poets were murdered by Stalin, and other dark occurrences, not to forget Hiroshima and Nagasaki. 

 

I thought it interesting how the tragedies of ancient times were mirrored in these personal experience.There was first the warning of impending danger, the snapping turtle. I listened to the warning. Then there was loss and restoration. The iPad story. And, finally, the lesson of how one can respond to danger using the power of reason, love and hope. 

 

This is also the message of Isaiah read this coming Shabbat. Called Shabbat Hazon, the Sabbath of Vision, the prophet warns of the unseen dangers ahead, the threat to the national core and the reminder of God's love and future renewal.

 

As we sorrowfully watch the presidential campaign unfold, we are being struck with great warnings. Our response will either lead us into a great tragedy or into an awakening that will give us a better future. As individuals and as a nation our values are being clarified and tested. In the Book of Deuteronomy, Devarim, that we begin this Shabbat, we find the words that remind us who we are and how we are to live: 

"And you shall guard these statutes, and commandments, which I instruct you this day, that it may go well with you, and with your children after you, and that you may prolong your days upon the land, which the Eternal your God gives you, forever." Deut. 4:40)

 

Reb David