It is likely not news to you that we are in a presidential election year in the United States. With the conclusion of the RNC, the attempted assassination of their candidate, and the uncertainty and questioning of the Democratic ticket, it is possible that you, like me, are feeling anxious, scared, worried, and maybe even moments of hopeful. No matter how much (or little) faith we have in this national political system, it feels safe to say the results will affect us all.
This week's torah portion, Balak, we see a primary example of curses turning into blessings. The blessing (and song) Mah Tovu is indeed what comes out of a hired sorcerer's mouth when trying to curse the oncoming Israelites, only to end up blessing them – or perhaps simply noticing their splendor.
So, as we may be sure that curses are ahead, let us (let me!) take breaths and know that what may feel like curses ahead may indeed turn into blessing. We (I) simply don't know.
And what might this blessing be? Well, most likely, it is you. It is community. It is showing up for one another. It is support, and honesty, and persistence, and solidarity. It is showing up to ensure a kaddish minyan, for Nickesville, for hard conversations, for learning from one another. And more.
While the Israelites marched ahead through the wilderness, they did not know if and when they would encounter curses or blessings. What they did know is that they had each other.
Shabbat shalom,
R’ David
This week's torah portion, Balak, we see a primary example of curses turning into blessings. The blessing (and song) Mah Tovu is indeed what comes out of a hired sorcerer's mouth when trying to curse the oncoming Israelites, only to end up blessing them – or perhaps simply noticing their splendor.
So, as we may be sure that curses are ahead, let us (let me!) take breaths and know that what may feel like curses ahead may indeed turn into blessing. We (I) simply don't know.
And what might this blessing be? Well, most likely, it is you. It is community. It is showing up for one another. It is support, and honesty, and persistence, and solidarity. It is showing up to ensure a kaddish minyan, for Nickesville, for hard conversations, for learning from one another. And more.
While the Israelites marched ahead through the wilderness, they did not know if and when they would encounter curses or blessings. What they did know is that they had each other.
Shabbat shalom,
R’ David
RSS Feed