June 29, 2022
Even though I am out of the office and immersed in deep study for these two weeks, I feel compelled to offer a brief message here.
There is a traditional name for God, HaMakom, which means “The Place.” It is compelling and comforting to think of God as a location, a space to inhabit.
In one of my classes today, Rabbi Shawn Zevit said, “God is HaMakom - The Place we are, but also the Place we long for.”
Last week’s Supreme Court ruling has torn deeply at our national and communal fabric. The place we are right now is incredibly challenging. Disbelief. Fear. Anxiety. Anger. Confronting the Unknown.
Here’s an invitation: To experience God as HaMakom in just the way Rabbi Shawn Zevit beautifully expressed –BOTH the place we are, and the place we want to be. Is that even possible? Aleinu–It is upon us to give it a try!
God comforts and accompanies us through the right now of our lives, even if it is disruptive, painful, upending. Let’s enter that space. Simultaneously, God is the Source of vision and hope. Or Chadash, a new light. Is it possible in this dark place for a new light to shine? Let’s enter that space too. HaMakom.
It is important to know that Judaism has much to say on the topic of Reproductive Rights. Rabbis all across this country are speaking out, speaking up, and sharing the wisdom of our tradition in response to this place we are in right now. If you want to learn more, talk more, express how these decisions are impacting you, or how you can engage, please be in touch.
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