Clergy Blog

Dear Friends,

This week’s Torah portion takes us back to our first taste of freedom, when we leave Egypt and begin the long journey to our promised land. Though we had no GPS or printed maps, we had something even better. The Torah tells us that “God went before [the Israelites] by day with a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night, with a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day and night” (Exod. 13:21). Honestly, that sounds like a far better system than what we have now! Who needs a map when God is literally showing the way? 

For the rabbis, this wasn’t just about navigation. They saw the pillars as more than divine utilities—they were acts of love. God wasn’t delegating protection to angels but showing up personally, taking pride in us, ensuring we never journeyed alone. Further, they taught that this was no ordinary pillar of fire. This pillar of fire made night as bright as day, so even in darkness, our ancestors felt safe. And the pillar of cloud? More than a guide, it completely enveloped them, shielding them from heat, cold, and rain. In other words, in this transitional time of unknowns, in a time when we were coming out of years of trauma, God showed up, protecting our people and providing for their needs. Whatever they would be facing, God made clear that they would never be left alone again.  

We may not have literal pillars of fire and cloud (probably for the best), but we do have something just as powerful—the light of our tradition. In moments of fear and uncertainty, as we long for a better life and a better world, we have Torah. Its values and ethics have guided us for millennia, teaching us to care for one another and do the work of making the world a place where all can thrive in peace.

In this time, when so many voices compete to tell us what is right, may we remember: the wisdom and strength we need have been here all along. Torah teaches us why we are here—to love our people, love humanity, and be God’s partners in completing Creation.

In other news, don’t forget to join us this Sunday morning for a conversation with Rep. Mikie Sherrill, congresswoman for NJ’s 11th district. All are welcome, advanced registration required. To register, click here.

I’ll be teaching a course this spring on the many ways that we Jews have prayed and found spiritual meaning over our history. It is a Melton course called “Pray it Forward: God, Gratitude, and Gathering Together.” For more information and to register, click here.

Finally, please don’t forget to sign up for our TBA Flies South festivities in Boca on March 4. 

Shabbat shalom,

Dave