MH370: SOME THOUGHTS AND A PRAYER

It’s the not knowing that is maddening.  We always want answers, as if we are owed them.  The frustration of the families awaiting news of their loved ones is completely understandable.  And when agencies and governments withhold information, or are so suspected, we almost immediately sense injustice and moral wrong.  But the fact is that when it comes to Malaysia Flight 370, the questions outnumber the answers substantially.

In this week’s parashah, Shemini, we read of the tragic death of the High Priest Aaron’s sons, Nadav and Avihu.  They were killed in a flash fire during a religious ceremony.  The Torah is essentially silent on why this happened, leaving later generations to speculate.  Among the suggested answers given is that Nadav and Avihu were drunk, or impatient, or dressed inappropriately, or executed their functions with excessive piety.  But the most damning explanation for their deaths is the charge of egotism.  They felt no need to consult their elders or even each other on matters of proper ritual procedure.  They knew it all.

We humans may think we know a lot.  But the fact is that a Boeing 777 carrying 239 people can take off and just disappear—for days.  And some experts say it may never be found.  MH370 should be a jarring reminder to us all of just how little we know.  When we stand on the edge of “we don’t know,” we stand at the border between us and God.  A little humility is in order.  

Our hearts go out to the families searching for answers, to the rescue workers searching for wreckage, and to the victims of this tragedy wherever they may be.  May God grant each one the appropriate blessing.