The Rooster's Optimism
This Shabbat is known as a turning point. The past few weeks on the Jewish calendar (the Nine Days, Tisha b'Av, etc.) have been focused towards remembering our losses and pains - specifically the destruction of the Temple. It is this Shabbos, however, that takes us away from the sadness and into joy almost like the crack of dawn. It is known as "Shabbat Nachamu" - "A Shabbat of Comfort."
It is very interesting to note that every morning in our prayers we begin by thanking G‑d for our basic needs like the power of sight, the ability to walk, our clothing, shoes and all other essentials. There is one blessing, however, that seems to stand out a little (in fact it’s the first one). In this prayer we thank G‑d "for giving the rooster understanding to distinguish between day and night."
Two questions come to mind about this blessing: Firstly, all the other blessings thank G‑d for providing our basic needs. While it is an amazing phenomenon that roosters crow at the beginning of each day, it does not seem to be a basic need of humanity. Secondly, telling the difference between light and dark is not so difficult. Why does it require special understanding to distinguish between day from night?
A friend once shared with me a great thought. Although a rooster crows at the beginning of each day, it actually happens some time before it gets light. When it senses that dawn will break soon, and light is on the way to substitute the darkness, he emits the crowing noise that became the ancient alarm clock.
In every day there are periods of light - clarity, blessing, peace of mind and prosperity; but there are also at times patches of darkness - challenges, confusion and difficulty. It takes special strength not to be caught up in the moments of challenge. It takes maturity to look beyond the darkness and see the light that awaits us. A wise person learns from the rooster. He/she knows that the darkness is only temporary and light is on the way. The rooster is symbolic of an attitude filled with optimism and belief. The rooster teaches us to envisage and celebrate blessing even before it comes. And therefore this blessing certainly reflects a basic human need.
So as we enter this Shabbat, when we transform the night and tragedy into day and joy, let us live with the rooster's message of belief and let us make this faith carry us through every part of the day.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Raleigh Resnick
