Dear readers,
Last week we began a multi-part video series titled Miriam, The Mother of Rebellion, which like this Parshah parenting article and Parshah essay provides more background information to the Torah readings.
I actually filmed this particular video series two years ago.
I remember very clearly the afternoon that we filmed. I remember, too, in exquisite detail its message of strength and optimism banishing the surrounding gloom and painful hardship.
I remember that day with such clarity because that morning I had tearfully sent off a very dear and close relative to treatment for a life-threatening illness about which we had learned only shortly before. I had chosen not to cancel this class because I believed it would be a merit for my sick relative, and we needed all the merits we could muster.
The wonderful women gathered around my dining-room table for our learning session had no idea about what I was going through. I remember fighting off my tears as I explained how we can find unbelievable hidden strength during harrowing conditions.
Whenever I view this series, I am reminded of that challenging time. I’m also reminded of my family’s thanksgiving soon after, as light prevailed over our personal darkness, and how to date my relative is—thank G‑d—completely recovered.
This week’s portion begins with G‑d saying how He appeared to our forefathers, and how He promises to hear our cries and bring us to our salvation.
This week, may each of us experience our personal—as well as collective—salvation.
Chana Weisberg,
Editor, TJW
P.S. Also check out this week’s Solace During Divorce, a personal journey through the hardship of divorce, and how the author’s faithful book of Psalms helped keep her faith strong.
