One of the interesting things about my profession is the ability to observe how different people react in different ways to life's challenges. And all of them are valid and authentic expressions, so why should we all react the same way?

A therapist once told me that emotions in human beings are as close together as the hairs on our heads. And that's true; sometimes we can feel envy and happiness for another person at the same time, as crazy as it may seem. Or fear and courage at the same time.

But if there is one emotion that affects us all to a greater or lesser extent and that always comes with some lesson, it is pain. As horrible and unfair as this may seem, the truth is that most of the time after great pain there is always some learning.

This week we begin reading the last book of the Torah, Devarim. That means that next week we will be commemorating Tisha v'Av, the most painful day of our calendar. When we commemorate the tragedies that befell our people throughout history. For example, the destruction of both Temples of Jerusalem.

According to Talmudic tradition, these were not only destroyed by the enemies, but the people themselves, with their conduct, motivated the destruction.

That is why we are already beginning this stage of self-reflection, self-criticism. We cannot wait for Rosh Hashanah to look into our souls.

In less than 100 days we will have a new president in the US. And soon, hopefully, we will have peace in Israel and Gaza.

How will we let all this affect us? What role models will we be for the world?

Will we be able to hold up the walls as if we were inside the Ancient Temple or will our miseries knock down even the smallest brick? Will we sow peace or discord?

Let us not waste time. Our time to look inward is coming!

It is time to be honest. To mourn what we have to leave behind and to look ahead with learning and hope. 

The world is made up of the sum of our collective actions.

Please, ask yourself: “Did I learn the lesson and what can I do about it?”

Shabbat shalom!