A Lesson from Rachel Goldberg-Polin

Jon Polin & Rachel Goldberg dedicating a Torah scroll in merit of the hostages

During her heart-wrenching and emotional eulogy for her son Hersh on September 2, 2024, Rachel Goldberg-Polin expressed her extraordinary faith so profoundly:

"I have had a lot of time during the past 332 days to think about my sweet boy, my Hersh. And one thing I keep thinking about is how, out of all the mothers in the world, G-d chose to give Hersh to me. What must I have done in a past life to deserve such a beautiful gift? It must have been glorious. I am so grateful to G-d, and I want to express Hakarat Hatov (i.e. gratitude) and thank G-d right now, for giving me this magnificent present of my Hersh. For 23 years, I was privileged to have this most stunning treasure, to be Hersh's Mama. I'll take it and say thank you. I just wish it had been for longer."

While we pray and perform mitzvot every day in the merit of the safe return of our hostages, we must also learn from the immense strength and faith the parents and family members of the hostages continue to hold onto, despite the unspeakable pain they endure each day.

This brings to mind two famous verses from this week's Torah portion, Shoftim, which offer a powerful perspective on how one should lead their life:

“Justice, justice shall you pursue, that you may live and possess the land the Lord, your G-d, is giving you (Deuteronomy 16:20).”

In a world filled with confusion and darkness, it is tempting to feel despair while trying to better the world around us. It may be easier to live in the comforts of our "promised land" and forget the pain of others. However, the Torah teaches us that it is not enough to do the right thing; to truly possess and settle in the promised land, we must pursue justice and make it our life's mission to positively influence the world around us.

But what if we have done everything within our human capabilities to ensure justice, yet it seems like we have failed? As Rachel Goldberg-Polin painfully expressed, "If there was something we could have done to save you and we didn't think of it, I beg your forgiveness. We tried so very hard. So deeply and desperately. I'm sorry."

Later in the Parsha, the Torah conveys another important value, "Be wholehearted with the Lord, your G-d (Deuteronomy 18:13)."

Commenting on this verse, Rashi, Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki (1040–1105, Troyes, France), one of the foremost commentators on the Torah, explains: "Conduct yourself with Him with simplicity and depend on Him, and do not inquire of the future; rather, accept whatever happens to you with [unadulterated] simplicity, and then, you will be with Him and to His portion."

Instead of becoming angry and bitter due to the pain they have endured, Rachel Goldberg and Jon Polin chose to embrace G-d's will and their life's challenges with simple faith. Their strength should inspire us all to develop a deeper and more meaningful relationship with G-d and our divine mission in life through expressing our own faith and increasing our observance of Mitzvot.

Each of us has a distinctive relationship with G-d along with the ability to communicate, express our thoughts, and offer gratitude every day of the year. Yet, there are specific moments or periods when we are especially attuned to the divine energy pervading the world, drawing us closer to G-d.

This past week, we ushered in the new month of Elul, marking the beginning of the High Holiday season. While typically considered a time for introspection, assessment, repentance, and prayer, it is also a time when we feel closer to G-d and have the ability to request and be granted blessings for all our needs for a good and sweet new year.

One of the acronyms for the name Elul is alluded to in the verse of Song of Songs, "Ani l'dodi v'dodi li," meaning, "I am to my beloved, and my beloved is to me." Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi (1745–1812) shares a parable that captures the essence of our relationship with G-d during this period:

"Throughout the year, a king typically resides in his palace, most citizens cannot gain an audience with him. Even those who seek an audience are rarely granted one. But there comes a time when the king leaves the capital and ventures into the field. During this period, all his citizens can approach and greet him. The king graciously receives each person and shows a happy and radiant face, granting their requests. As they accompany him back to the palace, only a select few are granted an audience. However, those loyal subjects who greeted the king in the field are now part of this privileged group and enjoy an audience with the king in his inner chamber."

Similarly, throughout the year, G-d is likened to a king in His palace and one must exert much effort and preparation to be granted a private audience. However, out of immense love for us, once a year during the month of Elul, G-d metaphorically goes into the field, making Himself accessible to all. This outpouring of love uplifts and encourages even those who feel distant due to their seeming lack of involvement in Judaism. When we see G-d's gracious reception in the field, smiling and fulfilling our requests, we are motivated to reconnect with our Creator. During the High Holidays, we escort the King back to the capital, where we rejoin Him in His inner chamber.

One might ask if it is appropriate to expect G-d to meet us in the field while we are immersed in our daily routines, work, or other seemingly mundane tasks. Shouldn't we strive to communicate with G-d in more spiritually elevated environments?

Attending services, participating in Torah classes, and connecting with our Jewish community are vitally important. As Maimonides asserts, "The prayers of the community are always heard." Yet the Torah teaches that G-d's presence is equally evident in our homes, workplaces, and personal lives. We have the ability and responsibility to connect with G-d wherever we are.

Furthermore, the purpose of creation is for us to "make a home for G-d in the lowest world" (Midrash). By infusing our daily lives with meaning, spirituality, and joy, we fulfill the ultimate intent of creation.

This is why G-d enters the “field” and delights in our welcome. His desire to manifest in the "lowest world" is exemplified by His departure from the palace to enter the humble field, where His people embrace Him as their King.

Let us do one more Mitzvah in merit of the safe return of our hostages and to reunite with all our loved one's with the coming of Moshiach now. May we be inscribed and sealed for a good and sweet new year!