* Translated by Janine Muller Sherr
Sometimes there are simply no words.
I suspect that since yesterday morning all of us have experienced worry, amazement, chills, and joy. And every firsthand account from passengers about the plane that was about to crash and the incredible rescue only adds to our tremendous sense of gratitude: gratitude to God, gratitude to the people who took the initiative and acted with such courage, gratitude for the safe return of all the passengers—gratitude, in essence, for every detail of this unbelievable story.
After all, we could have been reading this morning, God forbid, about 174 funerals, and entered the festival of Simchat Torah in tears…
But when there aren’t any words, there are words—and they are ancient and holy.
This morning, as on every morning of Sukkot, we recite the prayer of “Hallel,” which is comprised of verses from the Book of Tehillim (Psalms) that have accompanied us for thousands of years.
Many of us recited this prayer yesterday morning precisely at the moment when this fantastic drama was unfolding in the sky. I invite everyone to say it again this morning, this time paying attention to every word:
“For You have rescued me from death…”
“Thank God for He is good, His loving-kindness is forever.”
“This is God’s doing. It is wondrous in our eyes.”
“This is the day God has made. Let us rejoice and be glad on it.”
And towards the end of Hallel, we entreat God to bring us more success and salvation:
“God, please, save us!
God, please, save us!”
Amen. May we be able to express our gratitude for everything.
