From The Inbox: Breathe, Just Breathe

From C. M.

Breathe, just breathe.

Inhale from your nose, exhale slowly from your mouth. That’s what I tell my kids when they are overwhelmed or panicking. But seriously, I think everyone can use a good slow breath once in a while.

The world is literally flying in all directions. Things are falling on us, pounding us from all sides. Whether we look at the news or not, somehow it infiltrates our homes. Just like the one of who-knows-how-many viruses going around that the adults and kids are bringing home every other week.

How are we supposed to cope with this overload? Mind you, on no sleep from being up with loved ones who aren’t feeling good, or ourselves :(

We’re entering a new Chumash and Parsha. As I told my daughter today who asked me what “Genesis” is when I was listening to a lecture on my phone, that for not yet frum people who don’t know what the words in Lashon Hakoidesh are, they have English names for them. Chumash Shmos is also known as Exodus, the Chumash and Parsha we begin this week.

We are beginning the process of exiting Mitzrayim. Wait, I think they’re ersht coming down to Mitzrayim now. So why Exodus? Because this begins the process of the yerida litzorech Aliya!

Hashem counts the yidden, because, as Rashi teaches, one counts something that is precious to them.

What’s precious in this world? Elokus, Torah, mitzvos, and of course ourselves, our children, and families.

Let’s all just take a step back, realize our priorities, our precious diamonds. Let’s not lose sight of that. With debates, fears, emergencies, and everything else turning over in the world, let’s look at the Torah for guidance, let’s not lose our friendships and familial bonds. Restrictions from government or not, there are always ways to keep our flame and relationships alive and burning. We don’t need to let everything be thrown out in the name of health and mandates.

This is not a letter about what you should do. The Torah, the Rebbe, Rabbanim have all made it clear, follow your rofeh yedid etc.

But please, breathe. We’re in a yerida right before the tremendous giluy of Moshiach and Geulah. We had that feeling almost two years ago when everything shut down. Let’s hold onto that hope, vision, and excitement and move forward.

Let’s keep our precious things and loved ones close, protected, and safe.

And get ready for the big Exodus from Golus may it be immediately with the coming of Moshiach now!

Stay safe, healthy, and joyful!

A gezunte vinter