December 11, 2024|י' כסלו ה' אלפים תשפ"ה A Nation in Mourning: Finding the Balance Between Tragedy and Triumph By Rabbi Jonathan Muskat

As Israel continues to mourn the devastating loss of life and the ongoing crisis caused by the October 7th attacks, it’s clear that this is not a time for celebration. Our hearts remain heavy as we endure the pain of those lost in the violence, and we carry the anguish of the hostages still held by Hamas—many of whom are feared to be dead. That dark day in October will forever be etched in our collective memory, a day of horror that has left deep scars on our nation.

Yet, in the midst of this tragedy, something remarkable has transpired over the past few months—events that can only be understood as miraculous, even as we continue to mourn. Israel has achieved unprecedented military successes against its enemies, a series of victories that have fundamentally altered the balance of power in the region.

Miracles Amidst the Destruction

In Lebanon, Hezbollah's leadership has been decimated, and its military infrastructure severely crippled. In Syria, the brutal Assad regime has collapsed and in the aftermath of the collapse, Israel has destroyed 80% of the country’s military arsenal, leaving its enemy a shadow of its former self. In Iran, Israel has taken out nearly all of the country’s air defense systems, weakening Tehran's ability to defend itself against a future attack from Israel. Additionally, nearly the entire leadership of Hamas has been eliminated, including key figures like Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Deif, and Ismail Haniyeh.

These are not just military successes; they represent an extraordinary shift in the regional dynamics—one that has left Israel in a much stronger position. But even as we acknowledge these victories, we cannot lose sight of the overwhelming pain that still envelops us. The hostages remain in Hamas' hands, and many families are still grieving, their loved ones missing or lost.

A Parallel from Ancient History: The Failure of Chizkiyahu

In moments like this, we are reminded of a powerful story from Jewish history—one that offers deep lessons for us today. Thousands of years ago, the Assyrian king Sennacherib came close to annihilating Jerusalem. Yet, miraculously, the city was saved, and the Assyrian army was destroyed in a way that defied all expectations.

This event was so remarkable that the sages of the Talmud suggested it had the potential to be a messianic moment, with Sennacherib representing Gog and Magog and King Chizkiyahu playing the role of the Messiah. However, Chazal (the Talmudic sages) noted that Chizkiyahu failed to sing "Shira" (praise) to God for this miraculous salvation. The Gemara asks:

"The Holy One, blessed be He, wished to appoint Chizkiyahu as the Messiah and Sennacherib as Gog and Magog. The Attribute of Justice said before the Holy One, blessed be He: 'Sovereign of the Universe! If You did not make David the Messiah, who uttered so many hymns and psalms before You, will You then appoint Chizkiyahu as such, who did not sing praises before You despite all these miracles which You performed for him?'" (Sanhedrin 94a)

The failure of Chizkiyahu to sing Shira, despite the incredible miracle, was a critical moment in Jewish history. But why didn’t he sing?

Lessons from Chizkiyahu: The Importance of Acknowledging Miracles

There are several reasons why Chizkiyahu failed to give praise to God, and they hold important lessons for us today.

1. The Hidden Nature of the Miracle: According to theChiddushei Ha-Rim(quoted in the Sefat Emet, Pesach 5631, 5638 and 5642), Chizkiyahu was so deeply attuned to the natural order of the world and had such a clear faith in God that he saw the miracle as a natural extension of divine providence. To him, it wasn’t an extraordinary event, because he already believed that everything—whether miraculous or seemingly ordinary—was part of God's will. But Chazal teach us that it is our responsibility to recognize when something extraordinary occurs and to respond with praise and gratitude.
2. The Absence of Celebration Amidst Suffering: Rav Yoel Bin Nun and Rav Binyamin Lau explain that even though Jerusalem was saved, the broader context of Chizkiyahu’s time was still one of devastation. The entire region of Judah was ravaged by war, tens of thousands of captives were taken, and many cities were destroyed. For Chizkiyahu, this was not a time for celebration. His people were still suffering. This is a sentiment we can certainly relate to today—our nation is in mourning, still grieving the tremendous loss of life and the ongoing ordeal of the hostages.

Despite this, the sages emphasize that the importance of Shira—praise and spontaneous celebration—is crucial, even in the midst of pain. It is a reminder that we must acknowledge the hand of God, even during times of great difficulty. The victory and deliverance of the past few months—while not erasing the pain of loss—are also signs of God's intervention, signs we should not ignore.

A Message for Today: Acknowledging Miracles in the Face of Tragedy

As we continue to mourn, as our nation remains in limbo, we are called upon to remember the miraculous victories that have unfolded in recent months. This is not to diminish our grief or pretend that everything is fine. We still cry for the hostages in Hamas' hands, and we mourn the lives lost. But it is also important to recognize that God has acted in ways that are beyond human comprehension—defeating enemies, toppling regimes, and saving us from destruction.

In these times of mourning and pain, we are called to be attuned to the miracles around us. There is a mitzvah to be aware of what is happening in the world, to respond favorably to God, and to express gratitude—even as we continue to weep. As the sages teach us, it is not enough to simply learn and do mitzvot; we must also sing the praises of the Almighty, acknowledging His hand in the events of our lives.

Even in the darkest of times, when it feels as though everything is falling apart, there is still room for gratitude. Perhaps, like Chizkiyahu, we are called to lift our voices in praise—not in spite of our suffering, but because of it. By doing so, we can find a deeper connection to God, and to each other, as we navigate the complex and challenging journey ahead.

May we find the strength to mourn, to celebrate, and to praise—together.