Bridging Worlds Through the Mitzvah of Light
Reflecting on this week's Torah portion, Tetzaveh, and its profound emphasis on the mitzvah of light, I'm reminded of a pivotal moment as a rabbinical student. I was leading a Shabbat morning service for a Conservative congregation significantly older than myself. It was one of those services where every page of the siddur (prayerbook) was read in order, making for a lengthy morning. During Shacharit (morning prayer), I suddenly lost my grasp on the nusach—the traditional Ashkenazi melody for this service. There I was, a Black woman on the bimah, feeling the pressure of leading an older white congregation, my voice echoing in the rafters as I reverted to simply reading the Hebrew, my discomfort palpable.
In a moment of uncertainty, I reached the line "Or hadash al Zion ta'ir," a call for new light upon Zion. Remembering a rabbi's innovative blend of this prayer with "This Little Light of Mine," I took a leap of faith and sang these ancient words to the tune of a song deeply embedded in the struggle for civil rights and freedom. To my astonishment, the congregation began to sway and sing along, united by the familiar melody. When I was ready to close the prayer, the room was filled with people singing "this little light of mine," loudly and proudly. That moment was a shared moment of connection that transcended our differences. This blending of Jewish liturgy with a song rooted in the fight for equality and justice not only helped me regain my footing but also highlighted the universality of our quest for light and solidarity.
This week's Torah portion teaches us about the Ner Tamid, the eternal flame, symbolizing God's perpetual presence. More than a physical light, the mitzvah of light calls us to be beacons of hope and justice, especially in times of darkness. As a Reconstructionist rabbi, I am deeply committed to using our light to challenge inequality and support marginalized people, seeing our actions as extensions of our faith.
That Shabbat, as I merged "Or hadash" with a melody symbolizing hope and resilience, I embodied the mitzvah of light in a way that was profoundly personal and universally meaningful. It was a reminder that our light can bridge worlds and bring together disparate histories and traditions in a shared expression of humanity.
As we observe Black History Month, this moment of connection on the bimah becomes even more significant. It reflects the broader journey of Black individuals and communities toward justice and equality, a journey marked by the enduring pursuit of light in the face of division and discrimination. My experience, blending Jewish liturgy with a song of freedom, stands as a testament to the power of faith and song to unite us, reminding us that our shared humanity and the quest for understanding can overcome the barriers that divide us.
Let us carry the message of the Ner Tamid - the eternal flame in our hearts, striving to illuminate the darkness with our actions and to be sources of comfort and inspiration to each other. In honoring the mitzvah of light and the contributions of Black individuals throughout history, may we reaffirm our commitment to a world filled with light, love, and justice for all.
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Shabbat Shalom