In this week’s Torah portion, Eikev, Moses paints a picture of the Promised Land. It’s a place overflowing with abundance: wheat, barley, vines, fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil, and honey. He reminds the Israelites that when they arrive, they should pause, appreciate what they have, and give thanks. It got me thinking about what my own version of the “Promised Land” has looked like over the years.
When I was a kid, I was convinced my Promised Land involved becoming a famous movie star. (I’m still waiting for Hollywood to call). Then came college, when my version of the Promised Land looked like watching the Jayhawks win national championships, the Royals win the World Series, and the Chiefs win Super Bowls. At the time, those dreams honestly felt just as unrealistic as becoming a celebrity, but I have finally lived to see all of those actually come true! (I suppose a lifetime of patience paid off). But life has a funny way of changing what we hope for.
As my son Henry celebrates his fourth birthday this weekend, and I start counting down to my own 40th birthday on September 1st, I realize my version of the Promised Land looks much simpler than I ever imagined. It’s a place filled with family, friendships, laughter, and people who genuinely enjoy spending time together. It’s less about the destination and more about creating moments that remind us how lucky we are to have one another.
That’s one of the reasons I love this time of year. In many ways, summer is its own Promised Land. It’s a season for vacations, backyard barbecues, time with family, and a chance to slow down just enough to appreciate the people around us. We should soak up every bit of it.
At the same time, one of the joys of being part of the Temple Jeremiah community is knowing that there is always something meaningful on the horizon. While we’re enjoying these final weeks of summer, we’re also excitedly preparing for all that is to come. The High Holy Days invite us to reflect on who we are and who we hope to become. A new J-Quest year means classrooms filling with excitement, familiar faces returning, and new friendships beginning. Even something as simple as August Ice Cream after Kabbalat Shabbat becomes another opportunity to gather, slow down, and appreciate the gift of community.
Maybe that’s what Moses was really describing all along. Yes, the Promised Land had incredible things to eat, but it was also a place where people could build lives together, celebrate together, and remember to be grateful together.
So I’ll leave you with a question: If you had to describe your own version of the Promised Land today, what would it look like? How has that picture changed over the years? And are you taking the time to appreciate the blessings that are already around you?
And okay… fine…
I do still hope the Royals, Chiefs, and Jayhawks keep winning championships.
Looking forward to enjoying the rest of the summer together and welcoming everyone back to Temple Jeremiah as we begin another meaningful High Holy Day season.
Shabbat Shalom!