Writing the Waves

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Hakarat Hatov means “Find the good!”

It’s a rabbinic precept, so it doesn’t quite carry the weight of the Torah, but nonetheless, our Sages implore us, if not command us, to find the good in all moments, in all things. Perhaps because “goodness” is a central “building material” of God’s “spoken, and it came to be” world. On the sixth day of creation, the Torah teaches:

וַיַּ֤רְא אֱלֹהִים֙ אֶת־כָּל־אֲשֶׁ֣ר עָשָׂ֔ה וְהִנֵּה־ט֖וֹב מְאֹ֑ד

Vayar Elohim et kol asher asa, v’hinei tova meod

And God saw all that God had created and behold it was very good! Our enemies, especially in the Middle East, claim that our weakness is that we Jews are too much in love with life. Because it makes us vulnerable. But Israel’s absolute
conviction and commitment to the redemption of captives, even at tragically high risk, is integral to what makes it an inspired society.

Inspired? You may be wondering. Yes. Because despite the rhetoric, Israel is the freest, most democratic, safest for minorities, most inventive, creative, and powerful country in the Middle East. Despite the most extreme elements of the current Israeli government. Israel, even since October 7, 2023, holds one of the highest positions in the globe’s “Happiness Index.” And this is significantly due to its sense of mission and purpose. It exists first and foremost, to be a physical presence in the world of and for the Jewish people, Jewish values, Jewish existence. And through the practice of Jewish values:

•  it is also the only country in the middle east where the Christian population has grown (not shrunk) since 1948.
• It is also the only country in the middle east where same sex couples can live equally and freely and openly.
•  It is also the only country in the middle east where non-majority citizens have full access to government representation, religious expression, and academic opportunity.

Find the good – we are told. Today, when all living hostages have returned home, ought to be a day when it is easy to find it. But there are many who are trying so hard not to, perhaps because of those who insured that it took place. Find the good! Haker et hatov! Its good for the soul – let the love flow like rolling waters. Let it nourish you and slake your thirst for good news in this world…today in Israel and for the Jewish people, the good news is here and its always fleeting. Sometimes, redemption does come from the most unexpected of places. It certainly did this time around. Find the good. Feel it. Connect with it. In order to find the strength to keep up the fight for the things that you most passionately believe in.