Trust

Man is constantly searching for meaning.  Yearning, striving for a relationship with a Higher Being.  Questioning its existence.
 
This yearning, striving and searching has a whole new intensity when devastation hits.
 
Judaism never assured 'protection' from tragedy.  If it did, we'd all be lining up to enter our local Jewish center, like Charlie with the golden ticket.
 
So beyond offering meaning and purpose to life, what indeed does Judaism offer to those who are struggling painfully?
 
Judaism offers the gift, the knowledge (or for others, the hope) that every occurrence on this earth, from the fluttering of a leaf off a tree, to a tragedy that changes lives forever, has a reason.  Is part of a bigger picture that we usually cannot see.
 
It can give solace and peace when we feel vulnerable and unprotected in a sea of madness:  Judaism does not offer protection, it offers a solid ground, an island of comforting trust when we fall, bereft.
 
Of course, despite this knowledge, as mortal human beings, the questions still beg to be answered, and the pain is so horrifically real and strong.
 
Which leaves me in awe of the great people we meet over the course of a lifetime, who go on with the comfort- or searching- of this trust.
Of the people struggling with their pain.
Of the people who live with both.
 
To hear my father's answer of, "Thank G-d", in response to my anxious, how are you? in the midst of devastating loss- is to know greatness.
To see a girl who encountered tragedy too early in life, celebrate someone else's joy- is to know greatness.
To know that a father who has just buried his child, with a broken heart proclaims G-d's wholeness- is to know greatness.
To embrace a mother suffering from this pain, who starts to comfort you- is to experience strength.
 
Judaism places much emphasis on getting things done- this I learn from those who move fluidly through its actions.
The Trust part- this I learn from those who struggle.