Tears have a special place in our emotional world. They’re more than just water falling from our eyes – they’re a way our souls communicate when words just aren’t enough. Tears are powerful. They are a way to connect, to heal, and sometimes, to completely change our lives.
I want to share with you an incredible story about a young woman named Shira. Her experience shows us just how impactful tears can be. Shira was going through a really tough time, feeling like she had hit rock bottom. But that moment when she finally let herself cry became the unexpected starting point for a whole new chapter in her life.
It’s amazing how our lowest moments can sometimes lead to our greatest blessings. Shira’s story reminds us that there’s often more to our tears than meets the eye. They can be the first step on a path we never saw coming.
Shira was 29, standing on the threshold of her 30th birthday, and felt the weight of her singleness pressing down on her shoulders. Struggling with a deep sense of loneliness, she found herself in shul on Tisha B’av, the saddest day in the Jewish calendar. As she sat on the floor, listening to the mournful chanting of אֵיכָ֣ה יָשְׁבָ֣ה בָדָ֗ד הָעִיר֙ רַבָּ֣תִי עָ֔ם הָיְתָ֖ה כְּאַלְמָנָ֑ה the words pierced her heart. At that moment, something inside Shira broke. She had reached her limit. Feeling a profound sense of despair, she began to cry. She let out all the pent-up pain of the last few years she has been holding onto.
Little did Shira know that her tears were not falling in vain. Hashem heard her prayers. A few weeks later, she received an unexpected phone call. A shadchan she had never met before reached out to her. The woman explained that she had been in shul on Tisha B’av and had been deeply moved by Shira’s emotional response to the Megillah reading. Impressed by Shira’s sensitivity and depth of feeling, the shadchan felt compelled to suggest a potential match. Shira was too shocked to admit to her that she had been crying for herself and not the destruction of the Bais Hamikdash
To Shira’s amazement and joy, this connection led to her engagement. Her moment of utter despair had unknowingly paved the way for her personal redemption.
The Power of Tears:
Shira’s story beautifully illustrates the transformative power of tears. It says וְשַׁעֲרֵי דְּמָעוֹת לֹא ננְעֲלוּ – The gates of tears are never locked. Sincere tears have a direct path to Heaven, bypassing all barriers. They are not just expressions of sorrow but are seen as a form of deep, heartfelt prayer
In Tehilim we read, קָר֣וֹב יְ֭הֹוָה לְנִשְׁבְּרֵי־לֵ֑ב – Hashem is close to the brokenhearted. When we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, to shed tears from the depths of our being, we create a profound connection with Hashem. Our tears are not a sign of weakness but of our humanity.
Tears are a natural response to pain and loss, but they also play a crucial role in healing. Crying can help us process our emotions, release built-up stress, and find a sense of relief.
It says in Koheles: עֵ֤ת לִבְכּוֹת֙ עֵ֣ת לִשְׂח֔וֹק, עֵ֥ת סְפ֖וֹד וְעֵ֥ת רְקֽוֹד – there is a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance. Tisha B’Av is a time to cry and mourn, both for our personal sorrows and for the collective tragedies of Klal Yisroel. It is a day to connect deeply with our grief, to allow ourselves to feel the pain, and to cry out to Hashem.
Hashem is always waiting for us to reach out to Him. He longs to comfort us and turn our sorrow into joy. The words Nachamu, Nachamu Ami – be comforted, be comforted, my people – are His loving call, telling us – Don’t worry. Everything will be O.K. It is Hashem’s version of a hug.
As we approach Tisha B’av, let’s reflect on the power of our tears. They can move mountains and open gates. This year holds the potential to transform our tears of pain into tears of joy.
Let today’s tears pave the way for tomorrow’s redemption.
Nachamu, Nachamu Ami – be comforted, for that day is coming very soon when the Bais Hamikdash will be rebuilt with the coming of Mashiach.
