Tishah B’av:The Silver Lining
Asaf’s Perspective
On the ninth day of the Hebrew month Av, we fast and mourn as we mark the destruction of the Bet Hamikdash in the year 69 CE. A story is told of Asaf, a Levite and the choirmaster at the holy temple. He was renowned for his music and singing, and people came from all over to be inspired by his voice.
On Tisha B’av, the Temple was burning and a wild panic surged through the priestly ranks. Many committed suicide by throwing themselves into the raging fires, desperately preferring death over life without the Temple. Others raced through the various chambers hoping to salvage whatever possible from the marauding Roman legions.
From deep within the bowels of the burning temple, from it’s inner sanctum, came the sweet and beautiful singsong voice of Assaf, singing a song of praise to G-d. Astonished, his colleagues came upon him and asked how he could bring himself to praise G-d at a time like this?
Assaf’s response was, “don’t you see that G-d has poured his wrath unto the bricks and stones of his own home, instead of his people?” He has allowed us to escape retribution unharmed and unscathed. This is certainly worthy of many songs of praise.
A Hidden Goodness
Dear friends, not every person who is able to perceive and appreciate the intricate patterns of good that are interwoven into the fabric of life’s trials. Yet this story is intended to give us perspective. There is always a reason for the troubles we experience; there is always a purpose to the suffering we witness.There is always a silver lining.
Furthermore, those reasons are always good, for they come from an Almighty G-d who is the essence of goodness. Sometimes we are allowed to catch a fleeting glimpse of this goodness and, unfortunately for us, often we are not.
It is important to remember that regardless of our ability to perceive this innate truth, the goodness of G-d’s purpose is always there. It is our task to challenge ourselves with this test of faith.
May we merit seeing peace and blessing in our individual lives, with the coming of Moshiach, Amen
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