* Translated by Janine Muller Sherr
We are living through challenging days. The Home Front command issues specific instructions how to ensure our physical safety. But our souls need to be protected too. How do we build a Mamad (safe room) for our souls?
I would like to share an inspiring idea I heard over Shabbat. We can think of the word Mamad as an acronym for the words: machshava (thought), maaseh (action), and dibbur (speech).
Our sages teach us that our souls find expression in three ways: in our thoughts, deeds, and speech. It is our responsibility to control these three areas and channel them in positive directions. If the news around us is overwhelming, then it’s important to enter the Mamad of the soul by strengthening ourselves and those around us with positive thoughts, actions, and deeds.
The choice is ours. When the siren goes off, should we read frightening news updates or a chapter of Tehillim (Psalms)? As we prepare for Pesach, should we communicate a sense of depression and despair, or try our best to create a cheerful atmosphere in our homes?
It’s certainly not easy. Every one of us has a critical role to play right now—those serving on the front lines and those in the Home Guard, as well as every exhausted mother and every teacher trying to teach classes on Zoom— all of us, from the three-year-old child to the ninety-year-old senior. May it be God’s will that we succeed in entering the spiritual Mamad of uplifting thoughts, actions, and speech.
May those who were injured have a complete recovery, and may we hear good news soon.
