Zachor: Remember the Journeys We Take
July 29 2011
Singing has always been a release for me. Whether it is here, or with the barbershop chorus I have the honor of singing with, or my high school choir, or even in the shower, singing has always been a way of renewing myself. Here at synagogue, I sing because I enjoy it, but I hope the melodies we join together in, or the reflective pieces performed by soloists or the choir offer each of us a new worship service every time. That’s what the choir, Gwen and I hope for us all.
Judaism has always faced a struggle, and time and again, we have joined together and overcame oppressive forces. The community of the Jewish people is strong, and endures through the songs we sing, through our actions, our prayers, and our compassion.
As we sing tonight, the holiday of Tisha B’Av is rapidly approaching. On the 9th of Av (or the 8th of August for those a little rusty with the Hebrew calendar), Jews across the globe join together in a day of mourning. We commemorate the destruction our people have endured. As we find ourselves in the three weeks of mourning preceding Tisha B’Av, traditionally “mourning” activities are practiced: sitting low on stools, not having parties or buying new clothes or shaving. And yet we still celebrate Shabbat as joyously as ever.
Our history has a lot to teach us. It is difficult to be a Jew. But, it is more important that we learn from our past. Tisha B’Av offers us a chance to say “what did we do wrong last time? Let’s try to not do that again, shall we?” Yes, it is a time to mourn, but let it also serve us as a way to grow. An opportunity to learn from mistakes is one all too often we ignore, whether intentionally or implicitly.
Our Torah portion this week even offers a reminder. These weeks of affliction bring us to the close of Bamidbar, the Book of Numbers. Our Torah portion begins “These are the journeys of the Children of Israel…” Massei lists the forty-two “detours” shall we say, the Children of Israel traveled throughout their forty years of wandering before Mrs. Moses finally asked for directions. We obviously were not ready for our own land when we were first freed from Egypt. It took us 40 some odd years to figure out a gist of what we should have been doing. “The Exodus lasted a moment, a moment enduring forever” (Mishkan T’filah p 251). Let that be a reminder to us all that we are not finished. Our work is not done here.
As we come to the close of the Book of Numbers we say: Chazack, Chazack, vnitzhazeik: Be strong, be strong, and may we be strengthened.
It may not always be easy, but our paths of righteousness and peace shall never lead us astray. Our people wandered for forty years before coming to the edge of the Promised Land, we have faced countless loss and pain throughout the ages. And yet, we survived. We are still here. Let us reflect on the meanings of the trials and tribulations, mournful, respectful, and even more grateful for the blessings we entertain every day.
Massei, in listing the forty-two journeys we took from Egypt, reminds us the journey is part of the experience. Getting there may not be half the fun all the time, but it is still what makes the experience what it is. Our journeys in the wilderness remind us the trip is half the battle, half the journey. That we can always learn from them. That they still are part of what makes us who we are.
In Psychology, the question is always “What were they thinking?” and in turn, we ask, what makes us who we are? Nature, our genetics, or nurture, the environment we grow up in. I say: both. We all have inherent traits and such, but our nurture, the household we are raised in, the experiences we have, make us to be who we are.
As I have gone through my journey, I have traveled across the country. And every mile, every day, every minute, has made me to become the person I am today. Massei does not go into elaborate detail while describing the scenic route we took. Instead it just lists locations and times, serving to remind the new generation of Israel where they have been. As I begin my new journey at Arizona State University, I have found myself thinking about my history. Of the journeys I have taken, and thinking of where I would like to go.
My travels have taken me to Prescott, to Tri-city Prep High School, where I was able to make some of the best friendships I have, ones which I hope to continue. Then I was off to Embry-Riddle, where, despite my aspirations, I was not content with my surroundings or studies. Even though I thought it was the right place, it turned out it was not. Now I find myself preparing to move to Tempe, finishing up my bachelor’s degree in Psychology- a field of study that I have always enjoyed.
My path may not have been as straight of a line as my parents or myself would have liked, but the lessons learned, the insights gained, and the stumbles remembered have made me to become the young man I am today. Without them, I wouldn’t be Sean Samitt.
On Passover, we sing Dayeinu: It would have been enough. Would have been. Meaning there is still more. Had I gone to Embry-Riddle, who would I be? Had I not gone to Tri-city, who would I be? Had I not joined the choir here, or became a barber shopper, or moved to Arizona? Would it have been enough? Possibly, but the journey is what made it all the more meaningful. I could spend days wondering why this and why that, yet, the one thing that truly matters to me, is who I am today. Who I will be tomorrow… Maybe my rationale is just that of a teenager going to college.
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| Life's direction sign |
Maybe “wandering” isn’t the right word to refer to our 40-year trek through the desert to the Promised Land… Wandering implies “pointless” or “aimless.” But was it aimless? Maybe we were sent in circles to try and learn and grow. My hope is this. My point is this. Each of us has a journey in life. Some things we share, others are unique to ourselves. It’s not promised to be easy. It’s not a “walk in the park.” But, let us take from it what we can. Learn. Remember. Grow.
The journey may not be the greatest, we might get some curveballs thrown at us along the way, but I am a firm believer that we never have more than we can handle. That we can, and will triumph over roadblocks we hit. The odyssey of life is a hectic one, but its what makes us who we are. As the chapters of our lives come to a close and we begin new ones, may we never forget where we have been, because the pages before are what makes the pages to be all the more meaningful and interesting.
Over the past few years, it has been an honor, and a privilege to sing, to worship, to learn, and grow with the Temple B’rith Shalom family. I’d like to thank so many, but especially the members of the choir, Rabbi Berkowitz for providing such excellent leadership and guidance, and keeping me on my toes during services with “actually… I changed my mind!” And I owe all of my voice to the woman who sings behind the piano week after week, leading us in prayer through her love of music and harmony: Gwenda Krochock. Thank you Gwen.
Part of my history will always be this community. I am ever thankful for the time I have had at TBS to grow and learn with you all, in this B’rith Shalom, our covenant of peace.
May our heads and hearts lift up in song and joy together, just as this congregation does every Shabbat, as we join as the Children of Israel for our next journey, one which we pray to work for, one of peace.
Kol ha'olam kulo, gesher tsar me'od, The whole world is a very narrow bridge.
Veha'ikar lo lefached klal. The key is to not be afraid.
Todah rabbah: thank you, and Shabbat Shalom.
Cartoon: http://ie.technion.ac.il/~dcarmel/heuristics-icaps09/index_files/mrs_moses.jpg
Direction sign: http://listverse.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/good-luck-sign.jpg
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