It’s Comforting To Know
Aug 10th, 2011 by Rabbi Simcha Weinberg in Holidays, Reflections & Observations
Earth has no sorrow thatheaven cannot heal.
Thomas Moore, “Come Ye, Disconsolate”
It’s comforting to know that I have friends who are always there for me.
It’s comforting to know that I can reconnect with them even after long periods of silence.
It’s comforting to know that I have overcome far greater challenges.
It’s comforting to know that I have a loving family.
It’s comforting to know that I can make new choices.
It’s comforting to know that I don’t have to be perfect.
It’s comforting to know that I can make mistakes and still be loved.
It’s comforting to know that I will have more opportunities to pray.
It’s comforting to know that I have so much more to learn and discover.
It’s comforting to know that I have so many happy memories.
It’s comforting to know that I still dream of great accomplishments.
It’s comforting to know that, despite disappointments and losses, I have so much that is good.
It’s comforting to know that there are people crazier than I.
It’s comforting to know that there are people much saner than I.
It’s comforting to know that I have teachers and friends to whom I can turn for advice and guidance.
It’s comforting to know that I do not need to turn to Moore’s “Heaven” to find comfort!
Please don’t misunderstand me; I, of course, turn to Heaven, (perhaps not Moore’s version of it,) for direction and meaning. I do not want to turn to Heaven for comfort.
I did not turn to Heaven for comfort when I sat Shiva for my father. I believe that Heaven , through Torah, prayer, the laws of mourning, and Mitzvot, guided me in finding comfort from my life here on earth. Heaven helped me find comfort within.
I have seen far too many people avoid dealing directly with painful experiences by “turning to heaven” as an escape, or, from my perspective, avoidance.
When I wrapped Tefillin the morning after my father’s funeral I felt that although my life had been shattered, I still had enough strength to continue to live with passion and joy. Heaven’s Tefillin, so to speak, reminded me that life continued to be filled with possibility.
I do not turn to Heaven for comfort; Heaven turns me to look inside me, and it is there I feel comforted.
Author Info:
Learn & discover the Divine prophecies with Rabbi Simcha Weinberg from the holy Torah, Jewish Law, Mysticism, Kabbalah and Jewish Prophecies. The Foundation Stone is the ultimate resource for Jews, Judaism, Jewish Education, Jewish Spirituality & the holy Torah.
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Beautiful piece!
Maybe this is why we tell a mourner: “HaMakom yenachem…” “The Place should comfort you…”
Referring to God as “The Place” implies that it is not “Heaven” that will bring comfort; it is not escaping pain by relying on an abstract and remote God.
Rather, it is relating to God as “The Place”- everywhere, in every situation, in every moment, in every experience,- and understanding that it is by us using the opportunities He gives us that we can find comfort.
Perhaps R’ Simcha’s comment offers an explanation to the Halacha in Mourning that ‘comforters’ may not speak first but must wait for the mourner to speak first.
It is up to the mourner to initiate the comforting process by realizing it begins within.