It's Rosh Chodesh Av

It's Rosh Chodesh Av.

We are entering the month that holds two opposites more intensely than perhaps any other.

It is the month of churban. And it is the month in which Mashiach is born.

We mourn what we have lost, yet we spend the month anticipating what we have not yet seen.

Every day, after davening, we say the words of Ani Maamin: "Achakeh lo b'chol yom sheyavo" — I await him every day that he will come.

The Rambam goes even further. He writes that it is not enough to believe in Mashiach. A Jew must also actively anticipate his arrival daily. One who does not anticipate his arrival is missing one of the foundations of our faith. (Hilchos Melachim 11:1)

But what does it actually mean to wait?

Not simply to believe that one day, sometime in the distant future, redemption will arrive.

The Gemara discusses the practical question of someone who makes a vow not to drink wine on the day Mashiach comes. The Gemara then says that that Nazir must practice his nezirus every weekday, because Mashiach's arrival is a real possibility every single day. It's not theoretical, it's actually the reality. Today could be that day! (Eiruven 43b)

Sometimes geulah can feel like an abstract concept. We speak about it so often that it can become an idea rather than something real.

But this month let's try to make it real for ourselves.

Mashiach isn't only going to arrive in the middle of a stirring kumzitz or while we're standing at the Kosel with tears streaming down our faces.

He might come while you're folding laundry, you're at work, or making supper.

In the middle of the most ordinary Tuesday afternoon.

One moment life is exactly as you've always known it.

And the next moment, the world changes forever.

As we enter the month of Av, may we strengthen not only our mourning for what was lost, but also our anticipation for what is coming.

May we merit to live with the words "Achakeh lo b'chol yom sheyavo" not only on our lips, but also in our hearts.

Sincerely,

Yocheved

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Let's Write...

Today we're going to try feeling what it would be like to truly anticipate Mashiach's coming each and every day.

1. Describe your day today, as it has transpired so far. At any random time that you choose, you are suddenly interrupted by the coming of Mashiach.

2. Describe what happens in detail. How do you know that he is arriving, or is here? How do you feel? How do the other people in your life react? How do you go about the rest of your day? Try to write as many details as possible, letting your imagination flow. (Note: Don't worry about the facts being correct according to what will really happen. No one knows and you're not meant to know either, it's just an exercise to help you feel the anticipation.)

3. When you've finished, read it over slowly. Notice what surprised you. What did you long for most in the world you described? What does that teach you?

4. End with the following question: If I truly believed Mashiach could come today, I would live today a little differently by...

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