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B'Shalach, this week's Torah reading, confronts us with issues of faith. To what degree are we willing to trust that Greater Power; that sense that we have of some greater level of consciousness; that Ultimate One Who brought this world into existence and is the First Cause of everything that's transpired since? Or to express it more simply: the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob?
- The route taken from Egypt to the Land of Canaan isn't the most direct. God doesn't want to test the Israelites' faith by confronting them with war immediately after departing Egypt. (Do we ever question God's "wisdom" and subsequently find out that our own judgment might have failed to take into consideration the "Big Picture"?) On the other hand...
- They are privileged to see no less a miracle than a pillar of cloud leading them by day and pillar of fire by night. (Do you sense any symbolism in choosing these phenomena, e.g., what might they symbolize? How would you apply this to your own life? Are there ways in which God guides you today in the "wilderness"?)
- The parting of the Red Sea; the Israelites' safe passage through it and the subsequent drowning of the Egyptian army. (How often have we confronted serious challenges and seen them melt away with nothing but our own determination to face them with faith in the Almighty?)
- The Great Song to God's Power. (If you've ever come through a serious challenge - health, financial etc. - and you're deeply aware of how Something beyond your own and other human abilities made this possible, you have some sense of how those Israelites might have felt. Finding yourself emotionally capable of expressing your appreciation to God with every fiber of your being has to be one of the greatest of human experiences.)
- A brief setback at Masah & Marah when the Israelites find themselves short of water. Typical response: murmuring against God and Moses. Sadly, this is only one example of how quickly the Israelites lose faith in God's protection. (Ah yes! Does this sound familiar? How sensitive are we to our own "inner complaining"? How often do I need to check myself on this all-too-human impulse!)
- The Manna: This wonderful section is a handbook on the subject of Faith. (To what degree do we sense our ability to eat every day under very convenient circumstances as something that's far from simple? If you've ever been involved in food preparation you may have been struck by the irony of how long it takes to prepare food and clean up afterwards and how little time it takes, in contrast, to consume it! Our sages used to say that the ability of God to feed the world on a daily basis is a greater miracle than the parting of the Red Sea!
- There are very few requirements: Not being greedy; collecting enough Friday to hold you over through Saturday; not going out on the Shabbat to collect it. Here, again the Israelites fall short! (Some opportunity for soul searching here!)
There are still further examples. As I said, B'Shalach confronts us with issues of faith. |
I am happy to report that our appeal to you to consider purchasing a copy - or copies - of the new High Holyday Mahzor, Lev Shalem, has touched many a heart. When I last inquired, we had enough funds to purchase 250 books! Of course we hope to be able to purchase enough copies (about 500 - 600) to provide for anyone who joins us for the High Holiday Season, but the response, so far, has been extremely encouraging. To all who have been so quick to respond: Todah Rabbah! Thank you for your kind support and, if you haven't done so already, please let the office know the wording you would prefer on your dedication book plate.
To those who might yet consider helping us, "Thank you, too!"
Of course, our ultimate hope is to bring this Machzor's wonderful thoughts and prayers closer to everyone's heart.
A beautiful and peaceful Shabbat to you and your family.
B'Shalom,
Rabbi MIller |
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