I always feel awkward telling someone to, "feel better." Is that a command? How much control does this person have as to how they are feeling? I prefer to say, "I hope you feel better soon" or "Are you feeling better today than yesterday?" It acknowledges that our wellness is not entirely up to us, but simultaneously hoping that we will feel well soon and that we have the tools to get better.

 

In this week's Torah portion, Moses tells Joshua, who is about to assume the leadership of the Jewish people, not to be afraid and fear for nothing. But, doesn't Joshua have every right to be afraid? He is taking over for the only leader the Israelites had ever known and is about to enter into a lifetime of war with the people living in Canaan. I'd certainly be "concerned" at the very least.

Perhaps what Moses is trying to say is the same thing that we are attempting to express with our "feel betters." He is telling Joshua that while there are certain things that are out of his control, he believes in him. He knows that Joshua has the tools to succeed and that God will be with him. He believes that he is up for the job and because of all of that, there is no reason to be afraid. I trust in you, so now you can trust in yourself. That is the amazing power that we can have when supporting others who are in need. Being there for them and empowering them to do what they need to do. And with that support, there is no reason to be afraid, and we can all feel better.

 

Shabbat Shalom!