Rabbis Rice: Wandering the Wilderness

When we speak about the time when our ancestors lived in Egypt enslaved, we refer to Egypt as mitzrayim; and we refer to our ancestors as the Children of Israel. Indeed, the world is a wilderness, as we experienced this week with Hurricane Sandy. Nature is wild, rough, unforgiving at times, and yet can also be so beautiful, even breathtaking. The Israelites, called to wander, are all somewhat lost, all experience grief and pain. And as the Children of Israel travel through the dessert, they encounter a different kind of wilderness, one in which they often act like true children; complaining, whining, rebelling. We are, all of us, children of the wilderness. We all need a map. The Torah is our map. God is our guide. Micah is our community of fellow wanderers. Each of us with our doubts and dreams, walk through the wilderness together, seeking to grow.

     There are many ways that we can grow together as a community, many ways to be guided by Torah, co-creators with the Divine: the first, we can celebrate Shabbat together. Join us for early services at 6:00 p.m. this Friday to welcome in the day of rest as one community. Come bid safe travels to the 25 Micah members who will journeying together to Israel on Sunday, including your Rabbis and Lisa Silver. Second, do as the Torah suggests and reach out beyond yourself to help another in need. For those of you with family affected by Hurricane Sandy, know that we are here for you at Congregation Micah. Let us know how we can support you. And if you are able, please donate to the Red Cross or to other organizations helping people and families to rebuild their shattered lives in the wake of such rough and unforgiving nature. Third, embrace your wandering. It may be said time and again, but life is so much about the journey and so little about the final destination.