The Mixed Feelings

Sivan Rahav-Meir: Happiness Mixed with Frustration, Excitement Mixed with Rage

We have seen so many horror videos, and now - we can see some happy videos. Because even good dreams come true, not just fears and anxieties.

(Photo: Yonatan Sindel / Flash90)

Shavua Tov! The words in the Havdalah at the end of Shabbat shone this time in a new light:

"לַיְּהוּדִים הָיְתָה אוֹרָה וְשִׂמְחָה וְשָׂשֹׂן וִיקָר".

"For the Jews there was light and joy and happiness and love."

Light and joy, they are here.

It's not over yet. Hamas has kidnapped dear people and is trying to continue kidnapping our consciousness. Play with us and abuse and break agreements until the last minute. Happiness is mixed with frustration, excitement is mixed with rage.

But we have seen so many horror videos, and now - we can see some happy videos. Because even good dreams come true, not just fears and anxieties. Here are people we don't know, but know so well, returning from the darkest place to the brightest place.

We saw the 85-year-old grandmother Yaffa Adar being kidnapped on the scooter, and now returning to a warm hug with family members. We saw the girl Emily Hand, whose family already thought she was dead, returning tonight after 49 days in captivity in Gaza. Now we can imagine more, want more, hope more.

So what should we ask for? More and more good. Not only that everyone will return from captivity in health and security with God's help, and without paying heavy prices, but to pray for a much better reality. To a corrected world, to the victory of light over darkness, to a complete redemption.


0 Comments

Do not send comments that include inflammatory words, defamation, and content that exceeds the limit of good taste.

The Answer May Surprise You. Or Not.

Why did Hezbollah lose and Hamas not really lose the war?

Avi Woolf | 21.01.25

Excitement and Hideous Dread

OPINION: How Israelis are feeling today

1
| Gila Isaacson | 19.01.25

The Cruel Mathematics of Hostage Negotiations

OPINION: Will the real Benjamin Netanyahu please stand up?

Gila Isaacson | 16.01.25

Between Anxiety and Faith

OPINION: A Midnight Reflection on Israel's Most Painful Compromise

Hillel fuld | 16.01.25

Because Faith isn't always easy

If I wasn't religious, I would be losing my mind today

Chaya Mushka Rubenstein | 16.01.25

Did our boys die for nothing?

RAW RAGE: A Soldier's mother on the Hostage Deal

Gila Isaacson | 15.01.25

Herzi Halevi's Death Carousel

Herzi Halevi is killing our boys: How many more soldiers will pay for his incompetence?!

Chaya Mushka Rubenstein | 15.01.25

Finding Sanity When Everything Feels Insane

How to get through the hostage deal without losing your mind

Gila Isaacson | 15.01.25

It's time to bring them home

DESTROYED: Why Hamas Lost Everything Even Before The Hostage Deal

Hillel fuld | 14.01.25

LET ARI GO!

OPINION: Why I'm ashamed to be Israeli today

Chaya Mushka Rubenstein | 08.01.25

Rabbi Yoni Levi discusses the ethics of hostage deals

Opinion: What if it was your son kidnapped in Gaza?  

Eliana Fleming | 06.01.25

Israel needs to change its security strategy for Samaria

Urgent action needed in Samaria: Addressing the root causes of terrorism

Eliana Fleming | 06.01.25

Going against the flow

OPINION: Why Haredi recruits make me PROUD

Gila Isaacson | 06.01.25
Get JFeed App
Download on the App Store
Get it on Google Play