You have no idea what a chessed you did for me on Motzaei Simchas Torah. Throughout the day we heard sirens, and we were terrified. When I heard about the terrible massacre carried out by lowly terrorists, I was seized by uncontrollable trembling. Across from my house there is a grocery where Arabs work. In the building where I live and in two other buildings nearby they are doing renovations, and the workers – Arabs, of course. One of the residents told me that when he goes up the steps it seems to him there are more Arabic speakers than Hebrew speakers. Being surrounded by “cousins” in this way, our fear is understandable. What would I do if some Arab decided to go crazy and attack us? The fact that they were not allowed in did not calm me. Who says one of them didn’t hide? Who says he won’t come out? Who can promise that nothing will happen, after what has already happened? The fear immobilized me. I was nervous, and I would enter my building in fear that perhaps someone was hiding behind the building.
“You don’t look good,” said my neighbor on the first floor.
“The truth is, I’m scared,” I told him.
“Perhaps it will interest you to see the Hashgachah Pratis Magazine” he said, and soon he returned with the magazine. “Everyone in my house already read it. Give your family a chance to read it too.”
I didn’t understand what he wanted from me. What did this magazine have to do with my fears? But I took it. Even if it would just help to distract me, that would be worthwhile. I decided to look through it before I went into my house. It wouldn’t be right for the head of the family, who needs to encourage everyone else, to be terrified himself.
I read. There were strong stories there of emunah and hashgachah at every moment – completely true stories that led me to remember Who navigates all circumstances, Who breaks through gates and Who safeguards us from harm. Everything is arranged from Above. We are in the shadow of the Borei Olam; what is there to fear?
My family gained a father who had the strength to gather together all the words of emunah he had heard before and to use them as something to lean on during times when it is so important to give that warmth and sense of home. Yasher koach!
