On Longing

The Chicago White Sox have just won the World Series after 88 years.
Last year, the Boston Red Sox won the World Series after 86 years.
The Chicago Cubs have not won a World Series in 97 years.

As a Jewish nation, we've been longing for the end of Galut, the rebuilding of the Beit Hamikdash, and the arrival of Mashiah, heralded by Eliyahu Hanavi.

We've been longing for it for almost 2000 years.

We've seen periods where the Yad Hashem is clearly present, clearly bringing us closer to Redemption, and yet, we've seen periods of Hester Panim - Hashem's Face hidden from the world.
We've seen miracles like the UN voting for a State of Israel and the miraculous victory of the Six-Day-War. Yet, we've seen terrorist bombings and failed peace treaties and Disengagements, that test our Emunah.

Don't let our Emunah falter!!! Yeshuat Hashem Keheref 'Ayin - Hashem's salvation can come in the blink of an eye!

Did the White Sox lose their Emunah? They nearly blew a 15-game lead in their division, and almost didn't make the playoffs at all. Then, it all turned around for them in a positive way. Also, look at the song they chose to symbolize their championship season: it's called "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey.

So, even though our current situation as a Jewish nation more closely resembles the Cubs (who are still waiting and where the oft-quoted "Wait till next year" closely resembles "Leshana Haba'a Birushalayim Habenuyah"), the precedent is set by both the Red Sox and the White Sox that allows us to understand and feel what it means Lehahzir Ha'atarah LeYoshna - to return the crown to its glory of old.

As we said on Hoshana Rabba - Kol Mevaser Mevaser Ve'omer - the voice of the herald brings good tidings. We hope and pray that the day that we so desparately long for will come speedily in our days.