In the Worst of Times...

It was the worst of times.

We were driving to New York to commemorate the 20th Yarzeit of the Rebbe, when the message came in. 

"They killed our boys.  The **** killed our boys.  

Baruch Dayan Emes, (Blessed be the True Judge) I whispered, shocked. 

So this was it. After 18 days of hope, prayer, mitzvot and faith.

Then: So this was it? After 18 days of hope, prayer, mitzvot and faith?

It was the worst of times. 

But then, I heard the words Rachel Fraenkel, mother of Naftali: G-d does not work for us, she said. Sometimes you simply cannot avert a destined decree.

With tears in my eyes, I watched via video as  she eulogized her son at his funeral. She spoke to the question that was burning in the hearts and minds of Jewish people, everywhere: What of all of the prayers and good deeds? What of our unity? Was it all for nothing?  

No, she insisted. The outpouring of prayer and good deeds, is  in it of itself beautiful. Every prayer is worthy and accomplishes. There is not one drop of love and kindness that is for naught. That every mitzvah and good deed achieves, and  stands on its own merit. 

This from a bereaved mother at her son's funeral. 

So, this was it: 18 days of hope, prayer, mitzvot and faith.

A people united in love, devotion and caring. A people of prayer, a people of good deeds, a people of faith and gratitude.

And from the depths of their grief, a people of strength, kindness, dignity and unshakable faith.  

"Mi K'amcho Yisrael, goy echad Baaretz"

"Who is like Your people Israel?  A unique nation on earth."- King David. 

In the worst of times, it was the best of times.