The last year has taught me a lot about who I am and the people I surround myself with. I have learned that humans don’t like change and yet rise to face a challenge. I’ve learned that every time we think we have measured our capacity to meet a challenge, we look up and we're reminded that that capacity may well be limitless.
Yitro didn’t think Moshe had unlimited resources. After he saw how hard Moshe was working to adjudicate all of the peoples issues he said to him, “The thing you are doing is not right; you will surely wear yourself out, and these people as well. For the task is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone.” (Exodus 18:17-18) He’s right, though. None of us can do it all alone. We all need to call on our friends and family to help lighten the load. That’s how I have the pleasure of writing this.
It’s my honor to share the responsibility with my fellow congregants. Yitro told Moshe that he should deal with the major issues, and his people should handle the minor ones. So Moshe found capable men who could not be bribed and allowed them to lighten his load. Yitro saw that Moshe was ok and so he went on his way.
In this current climate, and even in “The Before Times” (the days before COVID) most of us can say that our plates are full. From work, to families, to friends, to our congregation. We have taken on enormous burdens. And again, our capacity is limitless. When our plates are full, and we need to add more, the only logical solution is to get a bigger plate. When you have an abundance, you don’t build a bigger fence, you build a bigger table. But I’ve learned that while my plate is large and overflowing, I can also be mindful of what I put on my plate. I can take on more, but not at the expense of my sanity. I will continue to take on the burdens of those around me. I’ve got big shoulders, I can handle it. But I will also take my cues from Moshe and I will let others take on the minor tasks.
So if you want to come shovel, I’ll share my address. I’m busy making cocoa with my family. Want to learn more, join me Shabbat Morning for Nosh and Drash where we will dig even deeper into Yitro.
Shabbat Shalom, Sheryl Gordon
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CELEBRATIONS AND GRATITUDE Thank you to Cantor Mitchell Kowitz, Cantor Diamond and the Dalet and Hey students for a conducting the Shabbat Shira Service.
Mazal Tov to Jackie and Abe Kirschman on their granddaughter, Kayla Goldstein, daughter of Dara Goldstein and David Goldstein, on January 30th becoming a Bat Mitzvah. If anyone would like us to include a celebration or milestone in the weekly Shabbat Blast, feel free to send an email to: officestaff@cbohr.org.
Congregation Beth Ohr 2550 South Centre Avenue Bellmore NY 11710 (516) 781-3072 officestaff@cbohr.org
Affiliated with United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism