Some people won't like what's going to follow this opening (because it ruins the feel-good brotherhood feeling they get), but let's look anyway at what's going on in Italy and Eretz Yisrael in response to the corona quarantine.
In Italy, people are singing from their balconies to keep up their spirits.
Sounds cheery & innovative.
But what are they singing?
Patriotic songs (which tend to be self-praise & self-aggrandizing).
Soccer team songs (enough said).
And sure, they are also apparently singing "Don't give up" and other lyrics of encouragement.
It's all better than being depressed or fighting with those with whom they're cooped up.
But look at what's going on among the frum Jews of Eretz Yisrael.
Probably you've seen the video clips, but here's a sample anyway (click on the teal link):
A Wedding in the Shadow of Corona
Here you have yeshivah bachurim (of Yeshivat Merkaz HaRav) dancing on their balconies for the chatan & kallah.
Not for themselves (although they are clearly enjoying themselves too).
They're doing all this in an effort to make things as good as they can for someone else.
There are several such clips, of people dancing outside a building for that newly married couple or hosting the chuppah in what looks like the stairwell of an apartment building.
And people are happy; the marrying couple is happy. They're all rising to the challenge with smiles on their faces.
Torah Jews, in an effort to do good for others despite the limitations, found ways to dance and sing for someone else.
And they're singing beautiful songs & niggunim (holy melodies) that give nachat to the Creator.
The mind's intent and the heart's feeling are what makes all the difference in response.
In Italy, people are singing from their balconies to keep up their spirits.
Sounds cheery & innovative.
But what are they singing?
Patriotic songs (which tend to be self-praise & self-aggrandizing).
Soccer team songs (enough said).
And sure, they are also apparently singing "Don't give up" and other lyrics of encouragement.
It's all better than being depressed or fighting with those with whom they're cooped up.
But look at what's going on among the frum Jews of Eretz Yisrael.
Probably you've seen the video clips, but here's a sample anyway (click on the teal link):
A Wedding in the Shadow of Corona
Here you have yeshivah bachurim (of Yeshivat Merkaz HaRav) dancing on their balconies for the chatan & kallah.
Not for themselves (although they are clearly enjoying themselves too).
They're doing all this in an effort to make things as good as they can for someone else.
There are several such clips, of people dancing outside a building for that newly married couple or hosting the chuppah in what looks like the stairwell of an apartment building.
And people are happy; the marrying couple is happy. They're all rising to the challenge with smiles on their faces.
Torah Jews, in an effort to do good for others despite the limitations, found ways to dance and sing for someone else.
And they're singing beautiful songs & niggunim (holy melodies) that give nachat to the Creator.
The mind's intent and the heart's feeling are what makes all the difference in response.
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