Dear Rachel,
I am hearing horrible news
all around the world about what is happening during this pandemic – horror
stories and theories revolving around how COVID actually happened and how
everything is going to get worse! For the first time in my life – I am actually
SO scared!! I write to you because though I am not at all «religious», I am
curious if there is a «Jewish» perspective to all this madness?
Sincerely, Petrified
Dear Petrified,
I am in no way a prophetess,
nor am I the daughter of a prophet so I cannot tell you the future. Having said
this, the quick answer to your question is YES, there is a Jewish perspective
to this pandemic and hopefully it will alleviate some of your misplaced fear.
One point of the Jewish perspective is to see the bigger picture in everything.
What you see in front of you is not always clear and just like a woven
tapestry, one has to stand back to see how the small details come together to
form a bigger, beautiful picture. Oftentimes in life, in order to rid a person or
situation of something that is obstructing what is good and healthy, it takes
time so things can get worse before they get better. There are deep layers and
nuances to world events that we cannot understand. It’s tempting to believe
speculations. But, the other Jewish perspective on this is that we need our
head to be facing the right direction. This simply means tuning out
distractions, like what countless people may be falsely saying. Refrain from
panic and jumping to conclusions. Understand that just as G-d brings rain into
existence with an exact purpose, so does He bring this virus into the world
with an exact purpose. What is its purpose? There is a definite message for us
to learn on an individual level, as well as on a collective level: We must allow
this experience to change and transform us into better people and better
societies. If all we are doing is waiting for things to be «normal» again, then
we are neglecting the necessary growth process within ourselves that could
transform our entire life. Rethink what your priorities are. Ask yourself what
challenges you are facing from this pandemic that is pushing you to discover
something deeper about life, yourself, and those around you. If in addition we
also extend this kind of thinking globally, imagine how much we could
accomplish! G-d is speaking to us through this virus, but we need to listen
instead of talk! It is a false sense of control to want to know everything. The
lesson here is how to let go; to realize that we are not in control. G-d has a
plan and the way to be an active part of that plan is to be a part of the
solution. Turn off the constant negative news, as they depend financially on
creating drama. Instead, tune into the here and now – ask yourself, «what am I
doing today that will better life for those around me?» Your purpose is greater
than your fears! As Jews we must be an example to the whole world. We have
overcome in the past and we can emerge stronger yet again. Ultimately, our
greatest fear should not be losing our existence, but rather, losing a life of
purpose. B’hatzlacha!
All the very best, Rachel
Trilokekar
Thank you to those who have
e-mailed me with their questions. If you would like your question to be
featured in the next issue of Ladies’ World, please e-mail: RachelTrilokekar@gmail.com
