After a hectic week (due to the move itself, the mess after the move, the dirt that all construction generates, a computer malfunction, etc.) the Newsletter is back.
All things considered, we can say we survived. Of course, the struggle continues, the mess and dirt of the construction site haven't gone away, but, as our sages say, gam zu letová – this too is for the best.
In this regard, we find two similar expressions in the Talmud: this is also for good and col deavid rajmana, letav avid - everything that God does is for good.
Despite sounding similar, they are very different. Without going into a lengthy explanation, the fundamental difference is that, according to the expression "gam...", there is a negative occurrence to which we must find the underlying good, but the occurrence itself is negative. Whereas, according to the expression "col deavid rajmana...", there are no negative things, only positive ones; that is, it is a level of perception of reality in which only good things happen in life.
Regarding the Chabad House under construction, someone mentioned to me that the state of the place is such that if we brought in some small cars we could have a ghost train running...
But, as we mentioned earlier, everything happens for a reason (or is good in itself). If it's a move, the hardship serves to strengthen family bonds, reach new levels of patience, and learn to live a little more simply (because everything you own is packed in boxes and bags). And if it's the state of the Chabad House, its current condition helps you learn to value what you have and to understand that, in reality, what matters is what you do—that is, prayer, mitzvot, and acts of kindness—and not necessarily the place where you pray.