Watching the difference between the joy of a hostage’s return and the sorrow of a body’s return — we see the ultimate line: life or death.
On the side of life, there is always something: hope, potential, connection. Life means we are not alone.
From the very beginning, as soon as Adam is created, it becomes clear: “It is not good for man to be alone.”
We are social beings. We need one another. We thrive with one another. We are better because of one another.
As Rabbi Sacks beautifully taught, when we pray, we do so not as isolated individuals but as a community. “That is supremely how we, as Jews, come before God — not primarily as ‘I’ but as ‘We.’”
So let us rejoice in the presence of others.
Because life is always better — together.
One time this week, when in the company of others, take a moment to appreciate the togetherness. If appropriate, let the people you are with know.