Shabbat Thoughts- Beresheet "at the beginning of "

  

 How exciting! Both the Cubs and the Indians are in the World Series. It has been 108 years since the Cubs have taken home the Series title and 68 years since the Indians have boasted of being World champs. Pitting two huge fandoms against each other, this series is definitely one for the record books. Excitement over who ‘deserves it more’ rivals the enthusiasm of fans comparing the quality of their favorite players. It is a beginning of a sort; a beginning of a renewed interest in America’s pastime and a way of looking ahead into the 2017 season with optimism for fans who have too long watched other sports-cities brag over their hometown athletes.

     This week is a beginning of a sort for us as well. Not only have we just concluded the Yamim Noraim (Days of Awe) but we are beginning the Torah anew on the day after tomorrow.

     Genesis (Latin for beginning) depicts the start of an entirely new reality. From chaos emerges order, from nothingness emerges beauty and from emptiness a unique voice calls out- ensuring that humanity be centered amidst the universe. God places us at the center of reality just a few cosmic moments after illuminating the void. Our place is to add meaning to a world which hitherto had been dark. Torah teaches that all humans have the moral and intellectual role of transforming the world in which they dwell. No mention is made of any ethnic/religious identity, save that of being human, borne by Adam and Eve. How magnificent is our Torah –sharing profound religious insight with all people. In other words, the purpose of living within reality is not exclusive to any one religion.

      May we all learn from the open-minded view of Beresheet (‘at the beginning of ‘-Hebrew). May we share this perspective with others in a respectful and honorable manner.

Shabbat Thoughts-Parshat Vayelech

Today's  weather is pleasant. The skies are blue and the breezes are gentle. It is easy to enjoy Mobile's version of Fall and to forget that many millions of people are in the path of a potential Category 3 hurricane. It is easy to become wrapped up in our own lives and to forget the needs of others. Of all people, we who live along the Gulf Coast know how devastating a hurricane is. Of all people, we must attend to the needs and concerns of our fellows who are battening down and evacuating. 

     We just concluded two days of communal Rosh Hashanah prayer, celebrating life, health and awareness of being part of our world. In the hours ahead, please offer this prayer for the many people in the path of Hurricane Matthew.

     God of all life, place shalom and strength upon all of your children dwelling in many vulnerable lands. Preserve them all from worry and hazard. Keep them safe from  harm. Ensure that the many who may be in harm's way are safeguarded from all danger and threat. Grant courage to all. Protect your valiant First Responders who place themselves in hazardous situations in order to support and tend your children.

Let there be safety and shalom.

     In this week's Parhsah, Vayelech, Moses recognizes that his time to lead the people is coming to an end. Even though Torah describes him as physically strong, he feels his energy slowly diminishing. He turns his focus to the People of Israel and to Joshua,offering them his prayers for  "courage and strength."  Even in his final hours Moses recognizes his responsibility to others. How much more shall we, who are blessed with a New Year, think of others and keep their concerns in our hearts.

Shabbat Shalom.

Rabbi Steve Silberman