Volume 67, Issue 8

Columbia’s Tragedy

For Yeshiva, A Particular Consequence

Since the beginning of space exploration, the world has been invigorated by shuttle launches and landings, moonwalks, and triumphs beyond human comprehension.  From a divisive U.S.-Russian rivalry during the Cold War, space travel has progressed to unite the world, as evidenced by the International Space Station currently under construction and Columbia’s crew, comprised of an assortment of ethnicities and nationalities, including the first Israeli, Ilan Ramon.  Indeed, Columbia’s tragedy has now brought the world together, in mourning and suffering.  We collectively grieve for the seven victims, and our prayers go out to their respective families.

Space shuttles may be beacons of strength, but this catastrophe displays the true frailty of the human endeavor.  We may shoot for the moon and stars, we may be technologically advanced, and we may be able to see billions of light years away.  With all this, however, we are reminded of our mortality – we cannot entirely avoid calamity and destruction.

Out of these ashes comes a newfound resolve, an insistence on the continuation of space exploration.  Columbia’s crew all died in the pursuit of something greater than just space travel; they died pursuing peace and cooperation between diverse groups of people.  Though we may not understand the entire point of manned shuttles, if nothing else, we can appreciate the quest for world harmony that Columbia’s crew represented.

For the Jewish community, Columbia’s tragedy holds special significance.  We at Yeshiva, and Jews the world over – regardless of specific affiliation – are deeply saddened by Ilan Ramon’s death.  Ilan understood the responsibility he boar in this mission, as an Israeli and a Jew.  And he succeeded admirably, truly sanctifying the name of God.  In life and in death Ilan Ramon represented Israel’s outlook.  As he soared into space, Ilan brought Israel’s hopes with him, an optimism desperately needed by a battered Israeli population.  News of Ilan’s untimely death quickly crushed Israel’s hopes and dreams.  More than ever we see our vulnerability as the words of Psalms resonates strongly, “From the depths I call to you…”

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