In these weeks leading up to Passover, it might be no mistake that the Torah reading cycle has us read about inspecting our bodies and our homes to determine if we and they are fit for holy service. Tazria and Metzora, this and next week’s Torah portions, among other things, speak to the ways our physical bodies and physical structures are impacted by the behavior of we who inhabit them.
The body and soul are dependent upon one another. The resident and the housing (or container) need alignment for each to live into their full purpose and co-creating holiness.
And the holy service of Passover is clear: to tell the story of liberation as if it happened to us from generation to generation. But no matter how much we clean our individual houses, how can we possibly clean our collective house this year? Can our collective Jewish corporeality possibly allow alignment with our soul now? How can we possibly speak of our own freedom when our people play the role of Pharaoh today? Alignment is not easy in these times. We are faced with what could feel like the impossible.
Here is my advice: do what you can knowing full well that you are a crucial part of the collective Jewish body and soul. No matter how much our work to get our collective house in order is denied or marginalized, it is undeniable.
And our telling of freedom in this season is all we can do, even if collectively we may be unfit to do so. And may all the hametz – the obstacles to our body/soul alignment – be removed from our way as we do so.
As we continue to work toward an end to this bloodshed, may nothing obstruct the alignment of our collective voice for peace and justice.
Shabbat shalom, and Passover preparation shalom,
R’ David
PS – In a season of trying all the ways to forge a path ahead, you can sell your hametz by 7am PT, April 22 through our Synagogues Rising partners in Baltimore: Hinenu.
The body and soul are dependent upon one another. The resident and the housing (or container) need alignment for each to live into their full purpose and co-creating holiness.
And the holy service of Passover is clear: to tell the story of liberation as if it happened to us from generation to generation. But no matter how much we clean our individual houses, how can we possibly clean our collective house this year? Can our collective Jewish corporeality possibly allow alignment with our soul now? How can we possibly speak of our own freedom when our people play the role of Pharaoh today? Alignment is not easy in these times. We are faced with what could feel like the impossible.
Here is my advice: do what you can knowing full well that you are a crucial part of the collective Jewish body and soul. No matter how much our work to get our collective house in order is denied or marginalized, it is undeniable.
And our telling of freedom in this season is all we can do, even if collectively we may be unfit to do so. And may all the hametz – the obstacles to our body/soul alignment – be removed from our way as we do so.
As we continue to work toward an end to this bloodshed, may nothing obstruct the alignment of our collective voice for peace and justice.
Shabbat shalom, and Passover preparation shalom,
R’ David
PS – In a season of trying all the ways to forge a path ahead, you can sell your hametz by 7am PT, April 22 through our Synagogues Rising partners in Baltimore: Hinenu.
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