We’ve just entered a period of time known as the “Three Weeks,” when we mourn the destruction of our Holy Temples, our nation’s dispersion, and the suffering that has been our lot for much of the past 2,000 years.
In Hebrew this time is called Bein Hametzarim, which means “Between the Straits.” Visualize yourself squeezed between two cliffs, and you understand the name. As a nation, more often than not, we’ve been between the proverbial rock and a hard place.
But there is a positive message here as well. Sure, it takes effort to extract yourself from a pinch, but when you do, you’re likely to catapult forward, going farther and faster than if you’d not been pinched in the first place.
Yes, we are squeezed, and it sure isn’t comfortable, but we’re looking forward to the final push, when all our suffering and wandering will propel us to the greatest spiritual heights. May it happen soon.
The Chabad.org Editorial Team
P.S.: Have you ever felt squeezed by life circumstances, only to to transform the negative into a positive and come out stronger, healthier and happier than before? Please share your experience in the comments section. We’d love to be inspired by you.
