These days, we have no ephod, no mishkan; no priests making offerings of animal or grain. Instead, each of us serves as Priest, making offerings of heart, through our prayers, rituals, and good deeds. Through our sacred service we carry our entire people, those who are here, as well as those far away, or no longer here into the life of our community.
Read MoreThis is the key to finding balance in a chaotic world. By mentioning Shabbat right before the Golden Calf; our day to stop and breathe, gifted us the moment before our most devastating act of impatience, Torah reminds us it is precisely in the very moment we want to act out whatever emotion is boiling inside us, that we need to stop, and take a breath.
Read MoreWhy does Torah emphasize the spirit in which the materials for the Mishkan should be gathered above the kind and quality of the materials? Because, it’s not the wool or dye or metals, but rather the act of giving gifts, of connecting with others to create something special – that ultimately makes the Mishkan a holy place. A few verses after our opening, Torah describes what happens when we build something in this way. God says:
V’asu li mikdash v’shechanti betocham / [If they] make Me a sanctuary…I will dwell among them. (25:8)
When we approach a task with generosity of heart, more powerful that the product of our labor is the tangible sense of sacred presence we bring to it, resulting in a monument to love we can see and touch.
Read MoreMoses and the Israelites [having] narrowly escape Egypt…now must now traverse a seemingly endless wilderness. People quarrel with each other, and Moses tries to mediate their disputes. They struggle to find food and water, and Moses responds by trying to ensure everyone has what they want to eat. In disbelief, Yitro, Moses’ father-in-law hears what Moses has been doing, and famously scolds him:
לֹא־טוֹב֙ הַדָּבָ֔ר אֲשֶׁ֥ר אַתָּ֖ה עֹשֶֽׂה׃ / The thing you are doing is not good…
Focused on making it through each day, Moses completely loses perspective; forgets what an impossible situation he’s in.
Read MoreTorah tells us to meet God we must first meet Pharaoh right here. Who is Pharaoh? He is essentially recognizable by his heart, repeatedly described as “hard”, or “heavy”.… At first, Pharaoh sets his own course. But, with every plague, it becomes more difficult for him to change. His reactions become engrained in habit, until his heart closes completely. Maybe we recognize this in ourselves. Can see Pharaoh’s hardened heart right here in our midst.
Read MoreThis is the God we meet in the book of Exodus: Ehyeh asher Ehyeh, variously translated ‘I Am That I Am’ and ‘I Will Be What I Will Be’. God is not some distant supreme being, orchestrating our every step, but a God of becoming; a Presence unfolding alongside and through us, that takes notice of us when we take notice of one another.
Read MoreAt times we all feel overwhelmed by the challenges we are facing. But when we can take a step back and tell our fullest story – though it’ll include moments of challenge, they will only be a part, not the entirety of our story. When Joseph meets his brothers, he tells a full story: “Do not be distressed or reproach yourselves because you sold me [into slavery]; it was to save life that God sent me ahead of you” (45:5). Joseph acknowledges what his brothers did, but what happened to him is only part of his story.
Read MoreStuck in “if only” mind, Jacob never felt like what he had was enough. On the eve of his reunion with the brother he has betrayed we would understand if he felt he needed more, begged God for protection. But instead, Jacob turns and does something very different: Jacob prays to God - not with a plea, but with gratitude. He says: “Katonti mi-kol ha-chasadim u’mi-kol ha-emet asher asita et avdecha” / I am unworthy of all the kindness You have so steadfastly shown Your servant.” (Gen 32:11). He has a realization that he already has everything he needs to face his past, take responsibility for his actions, and live with integrity.
Read MoreAs “two separate peoples” striving against each other, we, too, are in existential pain, hindered in our ability to emerge from pandemic, or find clear ways to prevent climate catastrophe. But Rebecca, in her pain, does not despair. Rather, the Targum says, “…she went to pray before God in the House of Study...”. Rebecca goes to her community and prays. Only as she comes face to face with her Source…that Rebecca finally finds space for all the conflicting thoughts and feelings inside of her.
Read More
