2020 In Hindsight

2020 In Hindsight

I’ve been reading lots of articles and seeing many memes with the same theme - leaving behind the year of 2020. Some are suggesting that 2020 was the worst year ever and are therefore suggesting that we leave this year behind and be excited about the new secular year of 2021. The memes make the same case but in a more humorous and visually understanding manner. "2020 was a disaster. Let’s leave 2020 behind in the dust". 

I beg to differ. 

I am not G-d forbid suggesting that a global pandemic is a wonderful occurrence nor that the stress, loss, anxiety and hardships that so many faced this year is a laughing matter. Quite the opposite.

Firstly, not withstanding our hardships and loss, a student of history knows that our people have faced many difficult times, many far worse than this last year. It is always important to put things in their proper context. 

Secondly, as a person that believes in “Hashgacha Protis-Divine Providence", I don’t have the luxury of chalking things like a global pandemic up to chance. I believe that it all comes from G-d and as such, I grapple with the meaning and reason for everything. I may or may not understand why things happen, but I search for meaning.

This year was a difficult one. But it was also one of the most illuminating and introspective years I have ever had. Why so much hardship? I don’t know. But this year I learned a great deal about life and about myself.

This year I...

• Was challenged like never before. 
• I grew as a result of these challenges.
  
• Began to really appreciate my community and congregants
• Worried more about seniors and the elderly in my life
• Thought about my family more often
• Thought about and mourned people that I had not thought of or seen in many years
• Prayed for many people I don’t even know
• Appreciated the educational and school system in a far greater way
• Appreciated our communal Chesed organizations so much more
• Took pleasure in the little things in life
• Paid my tuition bill gladly
• Got to know my children better
• Worked on my relationship with my children
• Worked on my relationship with G-d
• Worked on my own emotional health
• Worked on my relationship with myself
• Worked on my relationship with my wife
• Appreciated having a job and being able to earn a living
• Appreciated all the luxuries I have
• Finally understand how important vaccines and medicine are
• Found new respect for healthcare professionals
• Grew in my respect for educators and administrators
• Had to think out of the box again and again
• Fell in love with my Shul again
• Appreciated my Yiddishkeit in a whole new way
• Appreciated praying with a minyan
• Appreciated reading from the Torah
• Took control of my health and finally lost weight and got healthier
• Missed seeing so many friends and family
• And so much more

So while we all hope that the next secular year is absolutely wonderful in a revealed manner, I cherish the lessons and experiences of 2020. I hope that the lessons learned and experiences continue to shape and guide me for the future.

I guess hindsight is indeed 20/20. Happy Secular New Year.

"Rabbi Levi Yitzchok of Berdichev used to tell his congregants “Happy New Year”, and it’s based on Chapter 87 in Psalms where it says “Hashem Yispor Bichsov Amim..” “Hashem will count in the register of people…”