"Did you hear the news?" Those awful five words that rang in my ears as I picked up a student for our weekly learning. Ezra Schwartz. Boston. Maimonides. Murdered.
We live in a world of concentric circles, spheres of influence that protect the core of who we are. But tonight's news rocked the bulls eye of my world. And although there is no logic to this phenomenon, the death of any innocent civilian should shake our foundations, our emotions naturally are overcome when the news hits close to home. Our students on campus at Washington University went to school with Ezra. A courageous soul who dared to exert his solidarity with the Jewish people volunteering his time to help Israeli soldiers. Shot down. Who in the American Jewish community can't relate? How many others do we know in similar programs or who have plans to travel there in the next few weeks. He was one of us. An American boy. Gone.
But how are we supposed to react. How would Ezra want us to react?
We know what normally happens. Sadness. Hatred. Revenge. Politics. Move On.
But from a Jewish perspective, is this what Ezra's amazing life and tragic death was all about?
The Torah requires that we take a lesson from every situation, especially a tragic one wherever it happens on whatever scale. But when it hits close to home, we can't lose the opportunity for the wake up call of a lifetime.
From a point of Faith, we understand that ultimately Hashem is guiding history to its ultimate fruition: The Glory of God through the greatness of man. In fact, the entire Messianic concept is perplexing! If indeed, at the end of history God will bring humanity into a higher existence, why does he need a mortal individual to carry that out? And, according to Maimonides, if the Messiah himself will not actually alter nature or have any supernatural powers, how will he be so convincing that the entire world will make a strong about-face and suddenly turn to a Divine calling?
Rabbi Wolbe, the famed spiritual guide and author of Alei Shor, answers both of these questions with one important idea. Hashem wants the greatness of man. Just like a coach pushes his players for athletic success, the Master of the Universe guides nations and individuals to achieve and unlock their potential. It is precisely that greatness that expresses God himself, and hence his desire to have a Messianic figure lead the redemption of humanity. It is through this very means, that the Messiah will be such an exalted, refined, admirable individual, that the entire world will be hanging on his every word eager to follow the leadership of a man than towers humanity in comparison.
The Jewish people have been a Non-Prophet organization for the past 2500 years, ever since the beginning of the Second Temple Period. No one today can know for sure why tragedy strikes and what exactly is the lesson for each one of us. But that doesn't mean that we are excused from hearing the thunder amidst the storm. My Beloved is knocking, He's knocking so loud the door is about to cave in. What personal striving can we take from the murder of our dear brother Ezra?
What about our self sacrifice for the land of Israel, especially for us here in the Diaspora? What about our ability to look beyond ourselves for the sake of others. Remaining positive in every situation. Appreciating every breath we take. Our children. Life.
Don't let this challenge pass you up. Feel the pain. Act for the now. And let the life of Ezra and all those around the world affected by terror be for a blessing.