Today I went to visit the resting place of Mama Rochel.
Rochel is one of the four mothers who birthed the Jewish nation.
Rochel is our Ima, our mother.
Rochel was buried in Bais Lechem, by her loving husband Yakov.
She was buried on the side of the road, for she died in childbirth while the family was traveling.
We drove outside the border of Jerusalem, with towering cement walls topped with barbed wire, watch towers, and bullet-proof army trucks, all protecting us from enemies who dream to see us gone.
It seems like such a shameful place for Rochel to be!
No real photo-ops here.
But here is where she is.
Rochel is known as the iconic "Yiddishe Mama", waiting on the side of the road, for her children who - years later - would be dragged into the Babylonian Exile, right past her graveside.
It is told that her children were deeply comforted as they prayed there, in chains.
It is told that she cried for her children and continues to cry.
It is told that Hashem promises her that she will see her children return to their borders.
I came today to pray at her resting place, at the side of the road.
I have a strong desire to emulate her.
They call me Racheli, but truly I am Rochel.
I am an Ima to my children and students, just like Rochel is to me.
I have the ability to give selflessly as she does.
I love to be there for my children in their time of need.... and always.
I pledge to be there for them throughout exile, until Moshiach comes and beyond.
Parenting. Educating.
The responsibility is tremendous.
My tears are endless, for my children. Raising them can be heartbreaking at times.
Hashem knows the hurt.
So does Mama Rochel.
I cry.
We cry together.
Yet,
These tears will bring reward.
יש שכר לפעולתך
Any moment now, we will all come home, deeply bonded, comfortable, and happy.
ושבו בנים לגבולם
These are Hashem's children.
Hashem chose me to be their mother.
Hashem chose me to be their educator.
I am their Ima.
Their Ima who waits on the side of the road.
I can cheer for my children.
I can have loads and loads of nachas.
I can wait patiently and pray.
On the side of the road.
I take time to unwind after a heavy day.
As my tears flow, I accept support, acknowledgement, appretiation and love from my husband.
It's a LOT that I carry!
A tremendous load.
And when my child sees my tears?
Although I don't plan on it,
If he did see - he was meant to see.
He is meant to be aware of what it takes from his Ima.
Let him see and then join the prayers for Moshiach.
So his Ima will no longer need to cry.
On the side of the road.
The tears flow freely.
Tears over exile.
Not tears of despair.
In Hashem's world there is always hope.
ויש תקוה לאכריתך
I can only imagine how full my heart will be, when these tears will turn into tears of joy.
My child may test me at times, but it's only to see if I won't budge.
He wants to see that I'm not giving up.
Rochel sacrificed resting with her husband, to be there for her children.
Children who sinned, and were banished from their land.
Yet she loves them unconditionally.
My child may need space from me.
Maybe at this time, I need to let go for a bit.
This is most humbling.
Rochel, too, humbly rests off the road, as we, her children, wander...
I am grateful and humbled.
For my children give me the right to call myself Ima.
This child's struggle gives me a chance to make my mistakes, learn my lessons... and grow.
He is my precious gem....
She is my treasure ....
I am a lucky observer of their incredible journey.
Is there anything more rewarding?
יש שכר לפעולתך
There are those who choose to not have children, to not have students.
Sure, that may seem easier.
Yet, it is the most freeing thing to know that I am empty of myself and doing JUST the will of Hashem.
That I am caring for His children.
THIS is the gift of parenting.
THIS is the gift of educating.
This is why I am so fortunate
So fortunate to be their Ima.
Their Ima who is waiting
On the side of the road.
