“A man of the house of Levi went and married the daughter of Levi.” (Shemos 2:1)

During these trying times, I am often asked what would be appropriate behavior. I believe that we all understand that at this time when all of klal Yisrael is bleeding and in danger, it is not exactly the time to be taking a vacation. I would like to relate an incident which shows “Who is like The People of Israel?!”

Someone booked a vacation before the war started. On Isru Chag, he called to tell me that he understands that it is improper to go on vacation. He then asked me how much he is obligated to lose, as the reservation was nonrefundable. He also mentioned at the time, “I don’t know how much I could enjoy myself even if I went, so it probably wouldn’t even be a ‘vacation’.” He called the hotel to cancel. The Jewish owner immediately said, “I understand perfectly, and I will give you a credit for use after the war.” Taking into consideration that the owner understood that he would not be having any income for some time, one realizes how this was a truly generous approach, as expected from our Jewish brothers.

What about getting married at this time? Should one push off his wedding because of the woeful state of Klal Yisrael? In this week’s parsha we find the answer. Klal Yisrael was being persecuted by Pharaoh, who commanded that all babies be thrown in the Nile! Yet during this same period, Amram ultimately decided to get married and have more children.

Reb Yechiel Yaakov Weinberg (otherwise known as the Sredai Aish) discussed this idea during the Holocaust, at which time people continued to get married. He quoted the gemora (Brachos 6b), which tells us that one who makes a choson and kallah happy, it is as if he rebuilt one of the ruins of Jerusalem. He explained that while the destruction is going on, those who get married – showing their belief and conviction that the Jewish people will persevere by perpetuating Klal Yisrael – are actually building a home on a foundation of the ultimate emunah and bitachon (that Hashem will redeem us). Getting married at an ominous time for klal Yisrael is actually bringing us closer to the redemption as Hashem sees our confidence in his promise.

Yes, if there is a mitzvah to be done, even in trying times, we look to fulfill it. And as with all mitzvos, it should be done with simcha.

I believe a simple implementation of this idea is actually found at every wedding, during the joyous chupah. How can we rejoice and be happy when there is no Beis Hamikdash? The chosson at this time takes a moment to remember Jerusalem when he breaks a glass. This is to show that we know that without a Beis Hamikdash, things aren’t good. Nevertheless, we are joyous because we are taking a step forward towards bringing the redemption by building another Jewish home.

However, all this is regarding things which are part of our obligations or physical needs. But just to have a “good time” for no specific purpose when klal Yisrael is in pain is out of place.

I know someone who continues to participate in his weekly exercise group. But they stop in the middle of every session to say Tehillim for klal Yisrael in order not to forget the reality which we are in.

May we merit to have the ultimate simcha with no further pain or sorrow.