Today I went to the local temple -- or really I guess ONE of the local temples, because my new town has more than one -- with my kid and Dr. Skull.
I myself have always been pretty meh about religions and religious services, a side effect of living among Pentecostals and Evangelicals, who do their best to ruin the world for the rest of us. But I went today to show solidarity with Dr. Skull and the kid, and it was pretty all right. For one thing, this is a progressive temple, with lots of LGBQT people and disabled people, plus one of my former classics professors was there. We hadn't seen each other since I graduated, so it was good to see him again.
The service was mostly in Hebrew, and they sang it, so I had no idea what was going on most of the time, but the cantor/rabbi had a lovely voice. And there was a brief, not sermon, I guess, but whatever it is that synagogues have instead of sermons, which was great: the cantor told the story of how when Moses went to part the Red Sea, nothing happened. Caught between the Pharaoh's army and the raging sea, the escaping Hebrews fell into wailing despair -- what could they do? They were all going to die. But then Nahshon stepped up and walked straight into the sea, up to his waist, and neck, and over his head, and just as he was about to drown, the Red Sea parted, and the people could cross. It's about going forward even when you see no way forward, and so making a way.
The cantor also pointed out that once the Jewish people were on the other side, they were not in the land of milk and honey, but in an endless desert, with 30 years of struggle ahead of them. We don't win by a miracle, was the point, but step by step and by working together. It's clear she was talking about where we are right now, politically, and how despair and wailing won't save us; and what will save us.
Also, everyone was very friendly and welcoming. Good vibes, as the kids today say.
I did notice that a police cruiser parked outside during the entire ceremony; and the doors were all kept locked. That part was a little disturbing.
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| Nahshon Walks Into the Sea |
7 comments:
A d'var Torah! Literally a word of Torah. Instead of a sermon.
Thank you!
Sounds like a very appropriate word for the times.
And a belated congratulations to the kid and his husband, and to you, on their marriage (I'm finally actually logged in while reading, and can comment).
This actually helps! Thanks for the inspiration.
Thank you! They're very happy.
It helped me too!
That sounds like the perfect d'var. I'm glad it was so welcoming and comfortable for your and your family.
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