At the Mountain

 Dear Friends,

This week as we gather with our ancestors in the wilderness of Sinai, much is revealed even before we stand at the mountain:

Camped together, we are shown that we are in relationship with people of all different religious and cultural traditions. We learn from each other, we share our wisdom and struggles, and we walk our paths for the sake of each other.

We are also taught that earth herself is holy and her seasons and offerings are our abiding guides.

It is before dawn when we stand at the mountain,
            Thunder and lightning fill the sky.

            A dense cloud appears.

            Flames cover the mountain.

            The earth trembles, a shofar wails.

And then there is silence.

A silence so full there is nothing else.

In the silence,

All creation disappears,

And there is only One,

No distinction, no other,

Only One.

Then the wind returns,

We are back at the mountain

Amid fire and smoke

And our trembling hearts.

And we hear

Something that will help us

Remember that beyond all distinction

Beyond our uniqueness, our differences,

Is the One.

We hear

Something that will help us remember

That we are responsible for and to each other

And we are here to live in reverent relationship

With all beings, with all life.

Elohim spoke these words, saying:

1.  I am. YHVH, the Continual Unfolding of All.

I am the force of transformation, the energy of liberation.

2. Do not seek to arrest me in motion or create me with your own hands. Do not give yourself to false gods. Be with uncertainty. Allow mystery.

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. Be.    

    Honor creation. Rest and allow others to rest as well.

5. Honor your parents.  Honor those upon whose shoulders you stand.

6. Do not murder.

7. Do not betray. Honor each others vulnerabilities, have reverence for intimacy

8. Do not steal.

9. Do not lie. Do not use words to hurt or destroy.

10. Do not be led astray by comparing yourself to others. Do not get lost in desiring what others have.  Be content, be fulfilled with what your life brings.                                                                                                                                                                                Exodus 20:1-14

May these ancient calls guide us in becoming beings that bring mending and healing to this fractured and precious world.

Shalom,

Rabbi Yael