| Dear Friends,
Dear Congregants,
This Shabbat is packed with meaning and celebration. I invite you to join us Shabbat morning 9-9:45 AM to discuss: Examining MLK Speeches and their Roots in Torah. This Shabbat is also Shabbat Shira, a special Shabbat in which we celebrate the splitting and crossing the Sea of Reeds. This scene is striking for a number of reasons. The Israelites are standing at the edge of the Sea, panicking that there is no way to flee the Egyptians any longer. The taste of freedom is slowly receding from their palates as they see no way out. A Midrash tells us that a brave man, Nachshon ben Aminadav, courageously and faithfully walked into the waters up to his nose, proving his faith in his people’s future, at which point the waters split and the Israelites start walking through.
Let’s examine the imagery. The Israelites are still nervous, trembling at the site around them. They are walking through walls of water that could collapse at any moment, but they walk none-the-less. What is going through their minds? They’re likely worried about the moment and how they will fair in the desert. Each might ask: How will I feed my family? Will I ever feel safe again? What is my purpose? Was this even worth the challenges we’re facing? Did I make the right decision? These questions are normal when people go through narrow times, unsure of the future, with breath constricted by uncertainty, fear, and change.
The Torah purposefully imagines them walking through a narrow pathway, the split waters. It precedes the words that Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav would come to say: “The whole world is a very narrow bridge. And the most important thing is not to be afraid.” How do the Israelites move through their fear? They sing. They come together, directing their voices and their words to one another and to the Force of their freedom.
As a person who finds great comfort in Jewish prayer and ritual, I can tell you in my most awe-inspiring, and narrow times, I have turned to our ancestors to help me find the words to recite. When I witness massive canyons, snow-topped mountains, and flowing waterfalls, I immediately say “Mah Gadlu Maasecha Adonai, Meod Amku Machshevotech!” How incredible is your creation, Adonai, your blueprints for life are beyond our grasp (Psalm 92).” I have sat in sanctuaries and with groups of strangers, pouring my heart into the music that I hear and the words we are singing. Sometimes, I just listen if I don’t recognize the melody. The unity and the music massages my soul in a way that talking cannot access.
This Shabbat shira, I recognize the leadership of our Hazzan, Cantor Josh Kowitz, who awes me with his knowledge of all music, and with his enthusiasm for and true connection to Jewish prayer. I hope that when you are seeking comfort, connection, and ways of expressing joy, you will join our community to direct your voice.
Shabbat shalom,
Rabbi Bernstein
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Affiliated with United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism