Children of Hashem

A theme of this difficult period of “the nine days,” is that Hashem still loves us even though we have turned away from Him. We are referred to as בנים לה׳, “G-d’s children.

On the one hand, we are to recognize that we were sent into exile because of our sins, but we are to remember that although we have strayed, we never stopped being like children of Hashem.

This awareness is meant to give us hope in the face of great difficulties that we might encounter. If we take this period of mourning as a time of reflection of how far we have come as a people, we should be filled with hope.

We are to recognize that life is really two tiered. We have events that apply on a personal level, as well as events that affect us on a national level.

For example, when we speak of the Galut, the Exile, this can apply on both a personal and national level. As individuals, we must be released from being imprisoned by our fears and shortcomings. We become free when we let go of our attachment to materialism and self indulging, and connect to spirituality and the Torah.

We leave the Galut as a nation, when we focus on the future and see the Redemption as within grasp. We no longer see ourselves as beaten down, but we stand with pride as believing Jews.

G-d has been very patient with us throughout the generations. It is time for us to stay close to Him, and no longer go astray. The Redemption is nearer than we realize.