Sensing God’s Presence 
Shabbat Parashat VaYetse
December 10, 2016 – 10 Kislev 5777
Dear Friends,
If you didn’t sense God’s presence today, don’t be upset. Our weekly Torah portion tells us that our patriarch, Jacob, didn’t sense God’s presence every day either!
The Biblical story tells us that Jacob fled from his home and was on the way to Haran. He was probably anxious, scared, uncomfortable, and exhausted physically, emotionally and spiritually. As darkness fell, he prepared to make camp for the night. The Torah tells us that he put a rock under his head and fell asleep.
When he woke up the next morning, he remembered a dream he had had the night before. He declared that he now realized that God was in this place, but he, Jacob, had not sensed God’s presence there until morning!
Sometimes we sense God’s presence and sometimes we do not. Mostly, as we go through life carrying our anxiety, fear, exhaustion and simple repetitive routines, we do not stop long enough to sense God’s presence. But God is present. Perhaps, if we took the time to notice God’s presence more often, life would be just a little bit better….
Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbi Gilah Dror
Copyright © 2024 Rodef Sholom Temple. All rights reserved. Website designed by Addicott Web.
