Shabbat Sermon: Put Them Into a Story with Rabbi Wes Gardenswartz

This morning has been so beautiful. And an example of life imitating art. The prophet Isaiah talks about a great light shining. Ari and Zoe talked about that light. And they embody that light. Our bride and groom, Beth and Adam, and their parents Marlene and Errol, may he rest in peace, and Cindy and Jon, embody that light. We know what to do with this light and this simcha: savor it, feel it deeply, do not let it go unappreciated.

This morning reminds me of a conversation I recently had with a good friend I have known for over forty years. We were at a wedding in Lakewood, New Jersey, after the chuppah, before dinner. We were sharing a scotch and reflecting on one curious aspect of the human condition. Both of us are in our early 60s. He said I have so much good in my life. So much joy and blessing. And, I also have a lot of sorrows, problems that do not have solutions, pain that just is and must be borne. I know what to do with the joy, he said. But I always wonder: what am I supposed to do with the sorrows?

What are we supposed to do with our sorrows? Other than doing our best to not let our sorrows derail our life, is there some helpful way to think about how to handle our sorrows?