When is the connection between a couple stronger - when they are excitedly standing under the chuppah or after they have been married 30 years, after many ups and downs, having coped with daunting challenges and seemingly insurmountable circumstances?
After the sin of the golden calf, Moshe Rabbeinu breaks the tablets of the covenant. And then, following atonement and forgiveness, he descends to the people with a second set of tablets, new and complete, that have continued to accompany the people ever since.
Our commentators explain that it is was precisely this sin and this crisis that made the connection between the nation and God deeper and more meaningful. They suggest that we compare it to fixing a torn rope. After the rope is fixed, it is stronger and much more difficult to tear since, in the end, the two torn ends are closer to each other than before.
It's possible not only to emerge from a crisis, but to be stronger because of it than ever before.
Shavua tov.
