Finding our way out of this darkness is a multiple step process. First is mitzvah, the day-to-day actions we each take offer that candle, that flashlight to ourselves and to others. Each task brings a little more light, protecting against the most imminent danger.
But that isn’ t enough. Taking time to reflect and to learn together, even when the world can feel so clouded and dark, is what will ultimately lead to sunlight and understanding. This is what helps us see the more distant dangers and keep each other safe.
Yet all this won’ t actually eliminate the dangers. The pits and thistles, the wild animals and bandits will always exist in the world. Our job is to keep each other safe. The goal is not eliminating any danger, but providing the candle, and bringing the sunlight.
And even this isn’ t really enough. We may be safe, and still lost. As the Talmud passage teaches, some orientation will come only when we reach a crossroads, and we may not be there today.
So my blessing for each of us is that our actions continue to provide light and safety, that we continue to make time for reflection and learning together, and that we each make it safely through the woods until we can meet again at the crossroads.
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