“You are on mute” is an apt expression that in some ways defines this past year.
As so much of what used to take place in person shifted to Zoom and other online platforms, invariably someone forgets to unmute themselves before beginning to speak.
But there are other ways that being “on mute” appropriately captures 2020.
In fact, being collectively “on mute” for a while wouldn’t be such a bad idea.
On a most basic level, a silent pause before reacting is most often the best thing we can do - no matter the circumstance. We usually jump to respond or react without proper consideration, a pause prior would serve us well.
On a deeper note, silence is a potent and powerful acknowledgment of the awareness that G-d is infinite; completely beyond our comprehension. So incomprehensible in fact, that in the face of tragedy the only valid response is complete silence.
There’s one important caveat: being “on mute” is only a valid response with regards to accepting the reality of G-d’s plan for our life; when something is beyond our control, outside of our capacity to better the situation.
But when we see another challenged by difficult circumstances in their life, our immediate response must be “how I can help?” What am I able to do to lighten their load, to make their life just that much easier for them.
So while “you are on mute” might be emblematic of this past year, let’s collectively pledge that this year be defined by the expression “how can I help”.