At the Mountain

Dear Friends,

This week as we gather with our ancestors at the foot of Mt. Sinai, we also celebrate tu b’shevat and the gifts bestowed by the trees.

May these ancient calls and the wisdom that rises from earth bring us courage and strength.

In the wilderness of Sinai:

We stood together at dawn,
         The mountain was covered by smoke,
         Flames rose into a dense cloud,
         Thunder and lightening crashed through the sky,
         The whole earth trembled,
         A shofar wailed.

And then there was silence.

Into that silence
All creation went back to the One.
There was no distinction, no other,
There was only One.

Singular, absolute
Only One.

Then the wind returned,
The sky appeared,
And we were back at the mountain

And we heard something that could help us remember
That beyond all distinction
Beyond our uniqueness, our differences,
Our contention and struggles
Is a Oneness
To which we all belong.
We heard
Something that will help us remember
         We are here in relationship with all beings, with all life.
         And our words and actions must be for the well-being of all.
       
Elohim spoke these words, saying:

1.    I am the Infinite Unfolding, the force of transformation and liberation.
 
2. Do not give yourself to false gods. Do not worship what you make with your own hands. Be aware of what you raise up through your actions and choices.

3.   Do not lift up my essence for lies and deceit.
      Do not use my name to justify destruction.

4. Remember Shabbat and keep it holy. Stop. Pause.   
    Honor creation. Rest and allow others to rest as well.

5.   Honor your parents.  Honor where you come from.
     Honor those upon whose shoulders you stand.

6.  Do not murder.

7.  Do not betray.
     Honor each other’s vulnerabilities. Have reverence for intimacy.

8.  Do not steal.

9. Do not turn against your neighbor.

10. Do not be led astray by comparing yourself to others.
     Do not get lost in desiring what others have.
     Honor your gifts and offerings                       
                                   Exodus 20:1-14

Let us together rise into these calls. With bold determination and great love let us be people whose lives bring goodness and blessing.

Shalom,
Rabbi Yael