Together Again

What people call a "family celebration" or simcha is a lot less joyful when the bride, groom, Bar Mitzva boy or Bat Mitzva girl are the children of divorced parents. At a Bar Mitzva I attended recently, which involved the son of divorced parents, there was an atmosphere of tension and awkwardness. On the men's side, the Bar Mitzva boy's natural father and grandfather sat at the head table, while the stepfather and his friends sat a side table; it was embarrassing to see how they chattered while the natural grandfather spoke words of Torah and blessed his grandson.

On the women's side, things were even more awkward. The boy's natural mother sat at the head table, while the father's second wife sat at a side table with her friends. The atmosphere was like two columns of opposing armies facing one another right before they charge and attack.

The happy occasions of married couples are often nightmares for divorced couple – who invites who, who pays what, and a dozen other reasons to argue and disagree.

What about the children that suffer the tragedy of not being able to grow up with two parents under the same roof? Divorce devastates children emotionally more than almost anything else.

With all the above in mind, think about what a monumental mitzva one performs by making peace between a sparring husband and wife or by getting a separated couple back together. That's why letters like the following are priceless for me...

Continue reading Together Again in this week's edition of Breslev Israel web magazine.

More stimulating articles this week:

Rabbi Shalom Arush: Instant Messages

The Lubavitcher Rebbe: Unconditional Resistance

Rabbi Avraham HaCohen Kook: The Hazards of Leadership

Rabbi Yitzchak Ginsburgh: Importance of the Hebrew Calendar

Rivka Levy: Elul All Year Long

Chaya Ovadia: World of Renters

Yehudit Bell: Flow of Abundance

Have a wonderful week and please drive safely.

G-d willing, our weekly shiur will be resumed this coming Wednesday.