Heeding the Call: The Journey of Purpose and Connection
This Shabbat, we embark on the journey through the third book of the Torah, Vayikra, also known as Leviticus. It begins with: וַיִּקְרָ֖א אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֑ה – "And God called to Moses." Our revered sage, Rashi, interprets this as God's voice being directed exclusively to Moses, unnoticed by the other Israelites. According to Rashi, this specificity signifies God's deep affection for Moses. Here, we find a lesson in the nature of divine communication; it is intensely personal, tailored to each individual, requiring attentiveness and readiness to perceive.
An age-old mystical Jewish teaching expands on this, suggesting that God's call is extended only to those prepared to receive it. This idea embraces our uniqueness, recognizing that each of us has distinct needs, desires, and paths. The readiness to hear God's call demands of us openness and a willingness to listen not just superficially but with the entirety of our being.
This theme of the divine call resonates even within our daily rituals. The morning blessings, a series of blessings expressing gratitude to God for the renewal of the day, offer moments ripe with subtle reminders of this call. For instance, the blessing of Pokeyach Iverim thanks God for giving us the insight to see what is right for us. And in Hanoten la'sechvi vinah l'havchin bein yom u'vein layla -Gives the bird of dawn the discernment to tell day from night, we acknowledge the intricate design of the natural world. These blessings subtly attune us to the potential within each new day, guiding us to make choices aligned with our individual path and purpose.
At the heart of Vayikra is a universal truth: we each have a calling. Often, the essence of our calling remains elusive, obscured by the complexities of life. The challenge—and the adventure—lies in the discovery of this calling, which evolves as we journey through life's various stages. It is about finding what resonates with our soul, what ignites our passion, and, importantly, how we connect with others on matters of significance.
Preparing ourselves to receive our calling is an inward journey of openness, humility, and courage. It requires acknowledging our part in a grander scheme and daring to explore the unknown, fueled by faith in the potential to fulfill our unique destiny.
Pursuing our calling is not a quest for a predetermined destination but a dynamic voyage of self-discovery. Life presents an array of questions, challenges, and opportunities for revelation, urging us on a path to uncover the inspirations that speak to our deepest selves.
In this quest, the Torah acts as a beacon, offering wisdom, guidance, and the means for reflection. The narratives of our forebears, the commandments, and the extensive teachings within these sacred texts are not merely historical records or directives but are markers guiding us toward our divine purpose.
Thus, the essence of Vayikra's call resonates with us personally. It invites us on a profound journey to uncover our unique callings, to be attuned to the divine voice that whispers to our hearts, and to embrace the potential for a life of purpose, passion, and profound connection. This journey calls for an openness of spirit, a readiness to listen, and the willingness to respond wholeheartedly to the call that is uniquely ours.
From my friend Charlie Kramer on Pokeyach Iverim, thanking God for giving us insight into what is right for us and in front of us.
I’ll be playing in the Triad at Pernickety Books in Burlington NC on April 6
Your words resonate with me. I think my album would resonate with you: Songs for Divine Conversations, by Susan L Lipson, on all digital music platforms.