Each of us are Abraham and Sarah. Each of us has the ability to hear the still quiet voice asking us to step out from our comfort zone to become healers and spiritual guides of those seeking meaning in the world. But, we must be willing to walk out the door and see the holiness in every other human being to do so. We must be ready to see that holiness within ourselves as well. And then be ready to create holy community devoted to uplifting this world in which we live. To teach and model others the way that includes everyone in the sacred journey. This demands an mature commitment.
November 11/12
Torah: Vayera Genesis (Bereishit) 18:1-22:24
Haftarah: 2 Kings (Melachim Bet) 4:1-37
In our reading this week we find the Akedat Yitzchak- the binding of Isaac. (We read it on Rosh Hashanah). While the text says that God is testing Abraham, I can see this only the other way around. Abraham is doing the testing. No way would he willingly surrender his son in such an immoral action. It is Abraham who pushes the action, forcing God to intervene before anything happens. One must have a mature adult understanding of the Holy to enter into testing of this dramatic fashion. How mature is yours? Would you be willing to test?
November 18/19
Torah: Hayyei Sara Genesis (Bereishit) 23:1-25:16
Haftarah: 1 Kings (Melachim Alef) 1:1-31
It reads the "Life of Sarah" but recounts her death. We are experiencing the transition of our narrative to the next generation. Abraham's death is also here. A wife is found for Isaac and the story of the encounter is really a special one. Another instance in the Torah of radical welcoming as Rebecca swiftly moves to provide water for Elazar's and for his camels. We are experiencing the changing of generations in this reading. A new patriarch and matriarch enter the lead story. As we change generations how do we tell our stories of our past and create our dreams for our future?
November 25/26
Torah: Toldot Genesis (Bereishit) 25:19-28:9
Haftarah: Malachi (Malahchee) 1:1-2:27
We learn about Isaac and Rebecca and an important lesson about what happens when parents favor one child over another. Each parent does this in our reading and Jacob and Esau get caught in the crossfire. I have always appreciated the Torah's honesty in presenting the flaws in family life. Our narrative is made so much more human and accessible when we realize our cultural heroes are a lot like us. Not like Greek gods or heroes. Human. Our origin stories tell us that we are as they were, not perfect, but perfect as they were at their moments. Each with human weaknesses and strengths. Perhaps that makes them even more heroic.
