In a world where struggles often feel overwhelming, it can sometimes seem impossible to hold onto hope. Every person faces their own challenges, some big, some small, but all of them meaningful. The recent release of hostages from Gaza has brought an outpouring of emotion and hope. These individuals endured unimaginable hardship, isolated from their loved ones, without communication, subjected to abuse and suffering. And yet, they persevered. Their strength, their faith, carried them through, even in the darkest moments. What kept them going? What gave them the strength to survive when everything seemed lost?
It’s a question that haunts all of us, especially as we witness the ongoing hardships of our own lives. As a Jew, I am often reminded that we too have faced suffering throughout history. For centuries, we have lived in exile, endured hardship, and fought for our survival. Yet, time and again, Hashem has been with us, guiding us, showing us the way toward redemption. This is especially noticeable as we approach the holidays of Purim and Pesach, where we remember how the Jewish people overcame immense suffering. In both of these stories, we see how faith and trust in Hashem led to our ultimate victory. But while these historical events feel so distant, the message of redemption is as relevant as ever especially in our personal lives.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by our own struggles, especially when they feel so close, so consuming. Perhaps we are waiting for our dreams to come true, for a home, for healing, for peace. Maybe we are burdened by debt, by illness, or by loneliness. And in those moments, it can be hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. But when we look at the hostages who endured so much and yet remained resilient how can we compare our troubles to theirs? They spent weeks, months and over a year in captivity, far away from their families, isolated from the world, without any way to communicate. They faced unimaginable suffering. Yet, they made it through. We can’t compare their sufferings to ours, however each person still feels their own pain and that is perfectly okay. So how do we get by when things are tough?
This is where our faith comes in. As Jews, we hold onto the knowledge that Hashem is always with us. Just as He was with the hostages, He is with each and every one of us. Even when the world seems dark, we are never truly alone. When the message of release came to one of the hostages, the first words that he said were “There is a G-d.” Even from the dungeons of the earth, those were the first words that came from his mouth.
The words of the Shema remind us of this deep truth: “Shema Yisrael, Hashem Elokeinu, Hashem Echad.” When we say these words, we affirm that Hashem is One, and we, His people, are one with Him. The unity of these words is a powerful reminder that no matter what we face, we are connected to Hashem and to each other. He is with us in every moment, whether we are in moments of joy or of despair.
Moreover, the Shema continues with a commandment that speaks directly to the heart: “Ve’ahavta et Hashem Elokecha b’chol levavcha u’v’chol nafshecha u’v’chol me’odecha,” that we must love Hashem with all our heart, soul, and might. It is this love that keeps us going, even when life seems too difficult to bear. The heart, after all, is what keeps us alive. Without it, we would be lost. Even if our mind is tired and weary, it’s the heart and love that keep us going.
Hashem and the love that we feel from Hashem is what pushes us forward. This love is what sustains us in our darkest moments. Not always do we feel loved, or do we feel Hashem’s love, however the love exists. We just have to stop and let ourselves feel the connection, since G-d’s love is always there waiting for us to reach out.
When we are struggling, when we feel that the road ahead is too hard, we must remember the words of the Shema. Say them with all our heart: “Shema Yisrael, Hashem Elokeinu, Hashem Echad.” Remind ourselves that we are not alone, that Hashem is with us, and that He will carry us through. And then, as you say “Ve’ahavta,” let that love fill you. Feel it in every part of your being. It’s the love for Hashem and from Hashem that gives us the strength to move forward, to persevere, to overcome.
The release of the hostages is a reminder to us all that redemption is possible. Every time one of us is freed from suffering whether it’s a prisoner of war or someone trapped in their own personal exile it is a sign that we too can overcome. We are not alone. We are all connected in this journey, and every victory, no matter how small, brings us closer to the ultimate redemption.
So as we face our own struggles, let us hold onto that love, hold onto that faith. Say the words of the Shema with feeling, with meaning. Let the love of Hashem fill you and guide you. Remember that, just as the hostages found their way to freedom, so too will we find our way out of the darkness. With Hashem by our side, we are never alone, and our redemption is closer than we think.
