Torah Tidbits

The Mystery at the Heart of the Universe

Shabbat Parashat Vaera

Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh

December 28, 2013 – 25 Tevet 5774

The Mystery at the Heart of the Universe

At this time of year, wherever we turn, we are likely to encounter reviews of 2013. It is as if, at this particular juncture in time, many of us feel a need to review the past in order to prepare ourselves for the future.

Interestingly, our Torah portion, Vaera, also begins with a brief review of past events before recounting for us the continued unfolding of the story of the redemption of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery.

Our parsha tells us that as Moses reviewed the past, he saw God in a new light. This new perspective on God enabled Moses to become not only a political leader for the Jewish people, but a great spiritual leader as well and enabled him to fulfill his destiny as a human being.

Why review the past? A spiritual person might say that we are searching for clues that help us process the significance of our place in history. We are searching for clues that help us decode the mystery at the heart of the universe, much in the same way that Moses was searching for answers in ancient times.

As we approach the new year of 2014, may our reviews of the past year lend us perspective and purpose. May this year help us to fulfill our destinies as human beings. May we be blessed in the new year with strength and with health, with peace, and with a healthy sense of mystery that allows us to connect to holiness and to enjoy the unfolding of events even as we navigate the unforeseen paths of life.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and all your loved ones a very happy and healthy 2014!

Shabbat Shalom!

Rabbi Gilah Dror

P.S. This Shabbat we will recite the blessing for the new Jewish month of Shevat. Rosh Chodesh Shevat will be on Wednesday night and Thursday of this coming week. May it be a month of blessing for us, for all the people Israel, and for all people everywhere.