Today the Jewish and Gregorian calendars line up in a striking way.
9/11 is remembered as a day of darkness. This year, with the recent wave of political violence culminating in yesterday’s tragic assassination of a political leader, the mood feels even heavier.
And yet, on the Jewish calendar, today is Chai Elul - the 18th of Elul, meaning “the life of Elul.” It marks the birthdays of two giants of Jewish history: the Baal Shem Tov and the Alter Rebbe.
Their leadership came after a particularly brutal period of Jewish suffering, yet they infused new life and vitality into the Jewish world. Their teachings continue to inspire and uplift to this very day.
Chai Elul reminds us that even in the darkest times, sparks of light can be found. 9/11 was a day of horror, but it was also a day of extraordinary courage and selflessness.
We, too, can be those points of light. By caring for others, offering a kind word, or extending a helping hand, we uncover the goodness in our world and empower others to do the same.