Bereshit's Call to Co-Create a Better World
Every year, following the jubilation of Simchat Torah, we embrace the innate joy of returning to the Torah's start with the portion of Bereshit. As the Torah articulates, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." This cyclical journey serves not only as a gentle nod to our origins but also as a beacon, illuminating the immense path that stretches before us.
Prior to setting forth on my rabbinic path, the challenge was reconciling my solid faith in reason with the notion of a Divine Creator. However, through deeper immersion in my studies, the horizon expanded: it was about discerning my bond with God in today's Jewish world.
Throughout this spiritual voyage, I've been privy to a plethora of perspectives, each reshaping and expanding my worldview. Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan's perspective on God, one which emphasizes that those with an insatiable zest for life and an unwavering drive to better the world are true believers, provided an illuminating touchstone in my spiritual exploration. Complementing this, Rabbi Toba Spitzer's insights added clarity. She portrayed God not merely as a distant entity but as an intimate force that nudges us to counter suffering, aspire for self-fulfillment, and aid others in their quest for enlightenment.
The annual revisitation to the Torah, especially Bereshit, revitalizes our tie to life's ebb and flow and our perpetual quest for enlightenment. Each year, this fresh start serves as a reminder of our opportunity to be an extension of God's creativity, forging a partnership with the Divine to chisel a brighter tomorrow. A fundamental message from this Torah portion is the recognition that we are sculpted in God's image. More than an ode to the Divine's majesty, this realization is a call to action. It reiterates our obligation to see the Divine spark in every individual and uphold the sanctity of all lives. Embracing the core of this teaching transforms every day into a canvas, inviting us to sketch with strokes of compassion, kindness, and boundless love, collectively elevating our world.
Yet, in this reflective space, I'm drawn to an urgent sentiment. Global crises, such as the heart-wrenching Israeli-Palestinian conflict, can be overwhelming. It is perfectly valid if one finds it challenging to grasp the entire situation. Nevertheless, posturing with a veneer of understanding is not just harmful but disingenuous. It's imperative that we traverse these multifaceted scenarios with sincerity and humility, emphasizing the quest for genuine understanding, valuing the act of listening and connecting with the diverse narratives that unfold.
Given the turmoil and the tragedies unfolding, especially in Israel, the lessons of Bereshit resonate with heightened urgency. The world, reminiscent of creation, oscillates between order and chaos. But Bereshit's narrative of co-creation isn't confined to antiquity; it's a resounding call for our present, highlighting our shared duties. The anguish of the ongoing strife, witnessing innocent lives snuffed out, and communities fractured, casts a somber shadow over our Torah readings this year. My heart resonates with the pain of the victims and their families. Amidst this, I ardently hope for peace, a future where such heartbreaks are but echoes, and our sacred teachings shepherd us toward mutual respect and unity.
As we once again traverse the Torah, starting with Bereshit, may it serve as an invitation for introspection, a reevaluation of our principles, and a commitment to a world echoing the Divine tenets of love, understanding, and peace.
Pass the Hat
Last week, I had the honor of appearing on a local Radio program called Pass the Hat on WHUP. The program features local songwriters and it was an opportunity to discuss my music. The live show was streamed on YouTube and Facebook. If you have time, go and give it a listen on either Facebook or YouTube to learn more about my music and to boost it in the algorithm. Since this program aired, I have already been invited to play at a venue in April.
Hashkiveinu: a prayer we say only at night, asking God for protection so that we may rise again.
Thank you