We are entering a new chapter in our lives. I’m not just talking about the Book of Exodus: Shmot, or 2022.
We are entering a new chapter in our lives. I’m not just talking about the Book of Exodus: Shmot, or 2022.
Parshat Shmot describes the enslavement of the Hebrews in Egypt, the birth, rescue and adoption of Moses by Pharoah’s daughter. It also highlights Moses’ decision to ally himself with the enslaved people, inviting Pharoah’s wrath and forcing him to flee Egypt.
We too are experiencing, once again, a taste of enslavement. With Omicron, our freedom of movement and relationships have become even more limited and depressing. New Pharoahs are on the block.
What do we do? Ma Laasot? The challenges are overwhelming. In times like these, we are being called to rise up to a higher plane of consciousness. “All for the sake of heaven…”
We’re trying to do that through Am Kolel, being in the present and, also, planning for the future. Later in January we will enjoy on line An Evening of Poetry, a Winter SOULstice; in February, an evening of humor and satire; In March, a Purim evening honoring two individuals who are helping to bring down the Walls of Injustice in our time; and monthly outdoor liberating and redemption events at Sanctuary starting March 20.
We are still counting on you who have not responded to our December Appeal yet to do so soon. We need your support. We are still short of reaching our needed goal. Please please. We are presently interviewing folks to assist me in bringing these programs to you and the larger community. I need this support. We need this support.
This week also marks the Yahrzeit of a great scholar and activist, Abraham Joshua Heschel. This Shabbat we will remember him.
Here are a few of Heschel's teachings:
Our goal should be to live life in radical amazement. ....get up in the morning and look at the world in a way that takes nothing for granted. Everything is phenomenal; everything is incredible; never treat life casually. To be spiritual is to be amazed.
...morally speaking, there is no limit to the concern one must feel for the suffering of human beings, that indifference to evil is worse than evil itself, that in a free society, some are guilty, but all are responsible.
Prayer is meaningless unless it is subversive, unless it seeks to overthrow and to ruin the pyramids of callousness, hatred, opportunism, falsehoods. The liturgical movement must become a revolutionary movement seeking to overthrow the forces that continue to destroy the promise, the hope, the vision.
To our friends and loved ones celebrating Christmas and Kwanzaa, may you have a safe and joy filled holiday,
Reb David