As names were called
at the graduation of my youngest son from college last week, I could not help
but think about the names of the 20 young children who had been killed at Sandy
Hook Elementary School and whose names will not be called at a graduation
ceremony.
“The Holy One Mourns”
It is reported in
the name of R. Joshua ben Levi: The Holy
One summoned the ministering angels and asked them, “When a king of flesh and
blood loses a dear one and he wishes to mourn, what is customary for him to
do?” They replied, “He hangs sackcloth
over his door.” God said, “I will do
likewise.” Hence it is written, “I
clothe the heavens with blackness and I make sackcloth their covering” (Isa. 50:3).
What else does a
king of flesh and blood do [when mourning]?”
They replied, “He extinguishes the lanterns.” God said, “I will do likewise.” Hence it is written, “the sun and the moon
are become black, and the starts withdraw their shining” (Joel 4:15).
“What else does a
king of flesh and blood do?” They
replied, “He walks barefoot.” God said,
“I will do likewise.” Hence it is
stated, “The Lord, in the whirlwind and in the storm is His way, and the clouds
are the dust beneath His [bare] feet” (Nah. 1:3).
“What else does a
king of flesh and blood do?” They
replied, “He rends his purple robe.” God
said to them, “I will do likewise.” Hence it is written, “After the Lord did
what He purposed, He rent His purple robe (bitza
imrato)” (Lam. 2:17).
“What else does a
king of flesh and blood do? “They
replied, “He sits in silence.” God said, “I will do likewise.” Hence it is stated, “He sitteth alone and
keepeth silence, because he was taken away” (Lam. 3:28).
I wish for you, your family and the world
blessings of health, safety, security and peace in the coming secular new year.
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