For the past two months much of
the Jewish world, both public and private, has been on hold. Important
decisions as well as other matters that in retrospect are currently seen as
being perhaps less important were postponed. “Call me after the holidays,” has
been this rabbi’s mantra to requests made of him during this time period. But
now it is after the holidays and the crunch of the past postponements and
procrastinations have descended in full force. In my rabbinic career I have
found that the month after the holidays of Tishrei to be the most dangerous
time for family relations, partnership and monetary issues, communal
disagreements and personal piques. It is as though the cover has been removed
from the pressure cooker of the months of Elul and Tishrei, the time of
personal introspection and attempted spiritual devotion. All of the contents of
that personal and emotional cauldron now explode publicly and privately,
usually to the detriment of all concerned. It is very difficult to carry over
the piety and awe of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur and the joy of Succot into the
month of Mar Cheshvan. Even though the “Mar” in Mar Cheshvan refers to the
water of the rains of the month (hopefully) it also is the Hebrew word for
bitterness. For some reason this month seems always to bring with it an element
of sour behavior and bitter feelings to many and this is reflected in the
public and private aspects of family and society. If somehow we are truly made
aware of this danger and this prevailing post-holiday tension then perhaps we
can take steps to prevent it from occurring and damaging all concerned.
Part of the tension now released
upon us is the call for elections here in Israel, which are to take place in a
few short months. Elections are rarely uplifting and inspiring events. The worst
side of our politicians is usually in full display during electoral campaigns.
Viciousness replaces civility and truth and probity are rarely visible. Though
elections gave been part of Jewish life for the past few centuries, the Torah
apparently has made no provision for such a method of empowering Jewish
leadership. The Torah’s system of governing apparently is monarchial,
prophet-driven and without spin-doctors and pollsters. Whether this guaranteed
better leadership than our current electoral methods is certainly a debatable
point. But it probably was less tension laden than the current method of
campaigning and pandering for votes, of wild promises that cannot be fulfilled
and mudslinging of political opponents that tarnishes our entire society. Since
I have no substitute system to advance for our present day election system I
must bow to the wisdom of Winston Churchill’s famous quip that “democracy is a
terrible form of societal governance but it is far better
than any other form that humankind has created so far.” But it certainly
increases our post-holiday tensions and extends this worrisome period for
another few months. Current day elections are very costly affairs both
financially and emotionally. Coming on the heels of the holidays they are
doubly stressful and tension filled.
The onset of winter with its
short days, early darkness, and rainy periods also leads to emotional and
psychological difficulties to those who are vulnerable to such moods and
temperaments. Just as it is important
for all of us to receive an anti-flu injection for the forthcoming winter flu
season, so is it essential that we inject purpose and a sense of accomplishment
and self-worth into ourselves. Feeling good about one’s self is the key to good
mental health and spiritual growth. Confidence in consolidating what we have
somehow achieved during the holidays of Tishrei can lighten the load of winter
that is imposed upon us. Mar Cheshvan has some bitterness to it because it
possesses no days of holiday or commemoration within its days. It is the only
month of the Jewish calendar that is so devoid of special times and days. Only
the carryover of the exultation and spirit of the holidays of Tishrei can give
strength to the otherwise mundane days of Mar Cheshvan. That is what King David
in Psalms prayed for when he said “Bind the holiday (sacrifice) to the corners
of the altar with ropes.” Our ropes are those of memory and observance, resolve
and commitment. Only by binding the
Tishrei holidays to our current everyday living, by overcoming the post-holiday
tensions that so afflict us and by maintaining good spirit and healthy Jewish
values are we guaranteed a healthy, happy and productive winter season.
