Rabbi Yekusiel Kalmenson offers profound insights into finding hope in times of uncertainty. The story starts with a distraught Talmud approaching his Rosh Hashiva, Rebbe, confessing his struggles with faith in Hashem and questioning his belief in God. Rebbe responds compassionately, telling the student that as long as he’s still bothered by his lack of belief, he is still connected.
The Gemara in Makkos tells the story of how Rabbi Akiva, Rabbi Gamliel, Rabbi Yehoshua and Rabbi Elazar went up to visit Yerushalayim.
This was shortly after the destruction of the Beis Hamikdash and when they arrived at Mount Scopus and they saw the sight of the Temple, they tore their garments in mourning. When they reached the Temple Mount and they saw a fox emerging from the Kodesh HaKadashim, Rabbi Akiva’s colleagues burst into tears and Rabbi Akiva started to laugh.
“Why are you laughing?,” they asked him incredulously. “Why are you weeping?” was his response.
“A place so holy that now has animals trampling on its ground. How can we not cry?” They replied. Rabbi Akiva responded, “This is why I laugh. You see, there were two prophecies: one of Jerusalem’s destruction and the other of its salvation.
As long as the first prophecy had not been fulfilled, I fear that the second prophecy may not be fulfilled either. But now that the first prophecy has been fulfilled that Zion will be plowed like a field to the point that foxes run there, It is certain that the second prophecy of the redemption will be fulfilled as well.”
With these words, they replied to him, “Akiva Nechamtanu.” (“Akiva, you have consoled us.”)
The obvious question on the story is why did Rabbi Akiva ask them why they were crying?
Why did he simply not answer them with his reason for laughing? It was clear why they were crying!
The Chassam Sofer sheds light by connecting this story with the episode of Yaakov in which he refuses to be comforted after his sons tell him that Yosef has been killed. They bring him evidence: his cloak covered in the goat’s blood. But, nevertheless, he finds no peace.
The commentaries explain, one cannot be comforted over someone who is still living. Because Yosef was still alive, Yaakov could find no closure. Perhaps this was Rabbi Akiva’s message to his colleagues. It’s precisely because you are crying, because you are in pain, and because you cannot find comfort, that the redemption is sure to come.
If it’s not okay with you, there is hope that you will fix it. The very fact that we struggle with our challenges indicates that the resolution is in our hands. Don’t run away from what bothers you. It may just be your calling. This was Rabbi Akiva’s message. Pain is not a final feeling; it forges the path for growth.
Embrace it, and see the hope and healing that it brings.
Wishing you a wonderful Shabbos.
