I had an additional thought over the Sabbath as I read the text of the Torah portion. This is, of course, the portion in which Moses sees the burning bush: "[A]nd behold, the thorn bush was burning with fire, but the thorn bush was not being consumed." (Exodus 3:2)
There are all kinds of commentaries on that passage. Rashi, who lived 1,000 years ago, asked why God chose to show Himself to Moses in a lowly bush, rather than a high tree. The answer: He wanted to show that He was with His people in their suffering, at their lowest point.
Other commentaries say that the bush is a metaphor for the Children of Israel: though we suffer, we are not destroyed.
I have had the thought since the Palisades Fire that although our neighborhood was destroyed, our community was not. We are still in touch through WhatsApp, social media, and in person. We are helping each other. And the people of Los Angeles are also standing with us.
We are the bush that burns, but is not consumed.
Here is the video ...
A bit of a rough one this week, as my family and I are once again between different locations... for both good reasons and bad. But we'll look ahead to the end of the first quarter of 2025 -- and watch out for April Fool's Day...
Special guests:
Rabbi Yaakov Menken -- Coalition fo Jewish Values, on the Houthi strikes
David Schoen -- former Trump impeachment attorney, on Hamas ties to campus antisemitism
Tune in: SiriusXM Patriot 125, 7-10 p.m. ET
Call: 866-957-2974
This week’s portion focuses on the preparation of the priestly vestments and the Tabernacle. The Tabernacle is to be inaugurated on the first of the month of Nisan — the month of the Exodus, and the traditional new year for the Jewish people (as opposed to Rosh Hashanah, the first of Tishrei, six months later, which is the anniversary of Creation and the New Year for the world).
It so happens that this reading also coincides with the Sabbath before the first of Nisan, so the portion is particularly meaningful.
What is the purpose of so many anniversaries and new years? These bring into focus different aspects of our experience as human beings, and different aspirations. We revisit them annually because while we never perfect ourselves, we never cease trying.
This week's portion provides instructions for creating and assembling the holy Tabernacle. According to tradition, we also read an additional passage about the red heifer, a mysterious concept about a special kind of ritual purification.
What I like most about this portion is the character of Betzalel, the artisan to whom the craftsmanship of the Tabernacle is entrusted. Like Hiram of Tyre, later in the Bible, he is recognized for his unique talents and craftsmanship.
Imagine being so skilled at art that you are memorialized for all time by the Bible! It is a reminder that exceptional talents exist -- and we learn, through such people, that we each have our own gifts, humble though they may be.
