This week in the Jewish calendar and in the cycle of Torah readings we are gifted with much to think about and much to be grateful for. We read from the Book of Exodus (from Parasha Beshalach, “When He Sent.”) The Israelites are leaving Egypt—Pharaoh and his chariots chase after them—and they arrive at the Sea of Reeds to face the greatest challenge to the Jewish People in our narrative. As a People, do we move forward or do we wallow in our fear and lack of faith?
This week we celebrate the holiday of Tu B’Shevat, the “New Year of Trees.” A day to celebrate nature, the renewal of the plant world, the beauty of Mother Nature, and all that trees represent. To Jews, trees are a metaphor for many things: life, the Torah, people/community, and life’s many potential paths.
Both the Torah reading and this holiday offer us a chance to be grateful for our story, our values, and the prescription for dealing with the travails of life’s journey through troubled seas. I pray this morning that we will face our own personal “Sea of Reeds” with courage, faith, and optimism as we traverse the everyday challenges that life presents us. I pray that we will recognize our own forests—filled with family, friends, and community—to help us cope and move along on our personal journeys.
Be strong and be courageous.
— Cantor Nathan Lam