Those who know me well know that I am incredibly uncomfortable expressing my feelings. Playing “Would You Rather” makes me cringe. However, today, I want to be a little more vulnerable than I usually am. I want to explain my current state of mind. As most of you know, for about three weeks now, a terrible conflict has been raging on between Israel and Hamas. So many of you have reached out looking to process your feelings. I have been listening, all while wrestling with my own emotions. I am so very torn on how I should be feeling. I am hurting knowing that innocent civilians have been displaced, injured, or killed, and I know that everything happening right now does not make sense. As I sat down to write this week’s message, the struggle just continued.
This week’s parsha, Lech Lecha, means “Go forth.” Abram (as he is still known) is called by God to leave behind everything he has ever known and embark on a journey into the unknown. This command to leave his comfort zone and venture into the wilderness was a test of Abraham’s faith and devotion. It was a journey filled with uncertainty, fear, and countless challenges.
In a way, this is a story that reflects the human condition and the struggles we all face in our lives. We are often called to leave our comfort zones, to venture into the unknown, and to face the challenges of the world. Just like Abraham, we find ourselves grappling with doubts, fears, and uncertainties.
But what’s particularly striking about this story is that it’s not just a personal narrative; it’s a story with profound global relevance. Our world today is facing numerous challenges and uncertainties. We are dealing with a conflict in Israel, political unrest, social injustice, just to name a few. We’re often called to leave our comfort zones and address these issues head-on, just as Abraham left his homeland.
In lieu of teaching this week, I am hoping to engage in a community dialogue with all of you. I know all of us are feeling a slew of emotions. I am inviting everyone to answer all or any combination of the questions below. Your reflections will be part of a living document where others can see, share, and respond. This is an experiment, and we will learn together.
- What emotions are you wrestling with currently?
- How are you searching for “shalom” at this time?
- What is your vision of peace?
Click here to visit our reflections page.
May we all find the faith, strength, and determination to live out the message of Lech Lecha in our own lives, and may we contribute to making this world a better place for all.
Shabbat Shalom,
Danny Glassman