For Healing and Love

Dear Friends.

As we step into 2024,

The book of Beresheet, comes to a close.

Jacob has died and the brothers are frightened

That now that their father is gone,

Joseph will seek revenge for the anguish and pain of the past.

The brothers turn to Joseph pleading for forgiveness

And offering him their servitude.

With tears in his eyes, Joseph says to them,

Do not be afraid, I am not all-powerful.

Do not be afraid, our actions often generate results

That are different from what we intended.

Life unfolds in mystery,

And the Infinite Presence is always with us.

Joseph spoke these words with kindness, right to their hearts.

Genesis 50:19-21

The first book of the Torah ends with a call for all of us

To reach for forgiveness,

To turn toward healing,

And make a commitment to act from and for love.

As Beresheet ends it also calls us

To remember the power of our words

And to do our best to speak with kindness,

And care for each other’s tender and vulnerable hearts,

Even when we are in pain,

Even when we disagree.

As we close this book of creation,

And step into another new year,

Let us call on the Infinite Presence to help guide our way:

Please, as we enter 2024, bless us with

The generosity of earth,

The adaptability of water,

The vast perspective of sky,

And the fierce, fires of compassion.

Let us be souls who, with grace and mercy,

Act for the benefit of all beings.

Help us remember that every deed of kindness

Carries great strength and power.

And please, help us align our words, our actions,

Our very beings,

For love, for healing, for peace.

Blessing for all as we enter 2024,

Rabbi Yael