Original Torah introduction to my chanting of Exodus 15:1-11 at the Passover Yizkor Service for The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah and Congregation Beth Torah on April 29, 2024.
Recent months have given me a new perspective on the quote in the Mishkan T’filah prayerbook, taken from this passage in Michael Walzer’s book, Exodus and Revolution, and paraphrased here: “Wherever you live, it is probably Egypt; there is a better place, and the way to that place, that land, is through the wilderness.”
Lately, I feel that we are probably not in Egypt, but in the process of crossing the sea, walking between the towers of water on the dry sea bed. Behind us is the narrow place, Egypt, Mitzrayim, representing the darkness of hatred and oppression, which seems to pursue us. Even when facing such challenge, we are still able to find each other and share our inner strength. Ahead of us, on the other side, are the lights of freedom, understanding, joy and hope. We make it across, rejoice and sing.
Sometime later in our ongoing Jewish journey, the cycle repeats. What is important is not that the cycle ends, but that that we remain resilient, persistent, and strong, due to our faith that the Oneness of God and humanity will always envelop us and remain within our reach. And, as the reading in Mishkan T’filah says, we will get to the promised light and land only by joining hands, marching together, and there, we will sing, once again.
No comments:
Post a Comment