Beshalach
This week we cross the sea! We read within the pages of our texts what might be an example of a very early concrete poem.
The crossing is beautifully written in what comes to be called ‘brick’ fashion.
Not only is the text written in this exquisitely imagined layout, it is also sung in alternating cantillations. And of course, those words are telling our story in song – the Song of the Sea. The song ends with the words, “Children of Israel walked on the dry land amid the sea”. Now the work begins, as the Israelites begin to not just walk towards Sinai, but to understand the miracle of their freedom. Our freedom is bound to our covenant. That covenant was a Yes: We will stand together, we are a people.
This is perhaps the most difficult of tasks, and the most evident of the miracles that surround us. We said yes then to becoming a people, k’lal Yisroel. Today as Israel the nation defends her people, we say yes again. We stand within that eternal covenant.
May we see another miracle soon.
With love,Rabbi Lynn
Yitro
January 30, 2024 by Rabbi Lynn Greenhough • From the Rabbi's Desk
Yitro is that reading that reminds us all that not only are we not alone, but that we should never think we can do it all by ourselves. Yitro is the father-in-law of Moses. He watches a long line of people approaching Moses day after day, hour after hour with their problems. And finally Yitro says to Moses, “This is not a good thing.” He then advises Moses to set up a court of elders who can problem-solve with the people.
During Tu B’Shevat Lis passed around index cards for people to fill in with how they thought KM could best blossom and grow. There were a number of requests – from more community dinners to more opportunities for learning prayers to Jewish cooking classes to a weekly support group to starting a community garden. All great ideas! And hopefully we can put some, if not all of these ideas, into action.
And, how can you help? Are you a gardener or have garden space but no longer have the koach to garden? Do you have a basic repertoire or Jewish recipes that you might love to share – and teach the basics of making good knishes and rugelach? You can see where I am going!!
If you have particular skills, talents and/or interests and would like to share those talents with other KM members, please be in touch. Let’s set up a skills bank and begin to meet with each other outside of shul. Let’s build our community with each other. Yitro was right – no-one can do this alone. I look forward to hearing from you.
With love,
Rabbi Lynn