As we turn from Windsor onto Churchill on a day when the sun is shining brilliantly we cannot help but notice and remark to each other the breathtaking scene of the trees forming a large chuppah high up along the length of the street. It is outstandingly beautiful. Nina sings Wagner’s “Here Comes the Bride” as we drive along. We could go to the Botanical Gardens to see the Chihuly exhibit, which we are planning to do, but here right in front of our very own eyes is a natural miracle provided to us by Hashem. Continuing as we drive through the neighborhood, the bright colors of hydrangeas, rhododendrons and myriads of beauty pave the way for the paths that we take. Rarely do most of us to take the time to notice the glory around us.
We sit in our dining room and are fascinated watching the birds enjoying their dinner from the bird feeder we have provided for them on our back deck. Every color imaginable, every size bird, all not always prepared to wait their turn so they can get at the food. All creatures of Hashem working in what is a semblance of order for them. Interesting how it sort of reminds us of people standing at a buffet table or at a Kiddush having a tough time staying in the line until their turn arrives. Male birds are said to be more beautiful than the female birds. This is quite different from the perception of the human race, where the emphasis is most often placed on the beauty of the woman.
As we enthrall ourselves with the wonders around us that most of us probably do not take enough time to enjoy, we also remember the good fortune of our family. Exactly this time of year 10 years ago, the day before Shavuot, our daughter Naama went under the surgeon’s knife to have a double radical mastectomy. Her diagnosis was stage 4 breast cancer. Here we are 10 years later, Naama continues to thrive and live her amazing life. Hers is the message of hope and the importance of believing in miracles. We have no idea why she was able to beat the odds that were stacked against her. Doctors gave us the most bleak prognosis and, again, there was another plan in Hashem’s way. A different type of miracle that remains inexplicable. The day after Naama returned from the hospital our grandson Eyal was born, exactly 20 years to the day that our eldest grandson Yoel was born. Another beautiful miracle before our eyes. We remember standing at the rim of the Grand Canyon. Anyone who has been there can attest to the fact that the scene is one of magnificence. We remarked that people who do not believe in God should be taken there. Once they have viewed the spectacular expanse before them it would have to be difficult to not acknowledge the presence of Hashem.
As this is written, we hum the tune from “Fiddler on the Roof” “Wonder of Wonder, Miracle of Miracles” and smile at the words that express the experiences that the Jewish people have lived through, and then at the very end the biggest miracle is revealed. Tevye and Golde acknowledge that the biggest miracle of all was that they found each other and have loved and lived through so much together.
Is it not a miracle that a man and a woman who were strangers to each other are able to tie the knot and become one, and in the majority of cases live life together in beauty and peace? We are surrounded by the constant hand of Hashem Who has engulfed us with miracles each day. Let us be wise enough to recognize them.
By Rabbi Mordechai and Nina Glick
