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SUMMARY:Rabbi Cat’s Musings on Pekudei
DESCRIPTION:Shabbat Shalom. \n(Watch Rabbi Cat’s musings here) \nThis week’s parsha\, Pekudei\, tells the story of the Israelites completing the building of the Tabernacle—the Mishkan—a holy dwelling place for the Divine. \nWith the remnants of the materials\, Aaron’s sacred vestments are crafted for his service in the sanctuary. Just as the instructions for the Tabernacle are explicit and exacting\, so too are those for these garments: a breastplate\, band\, shoulder pieces\, headpiece—woven with colorful yarns\, linen\, stones\, and more. \nBut why is all this necessary? \nThe Mishkan is a remedy. After the sin of the Golden Calf\, the people had lost touch with the Divine—and with Moses as their intermediary. The Mishkan was built from the same materials as the Golden Calf. The very gold and linen used in their idolatry are now transformed\, repurposed to create a sacred space. The negative energy of the Golden Calf becomes uplifted into Divine connection. \nIt gave the people a tangible place to feel close to the Divine. Their yearning was real. The Mishkan was a homeopathic remedy—a spiritual repair for how that yearning was misdirected. \nI believe Aaron’s vestments are also a remedy—this time\, for his own spiritual ailment. He allowed\, even participated in\, the building of the Golden Calf. Perhaps he didn’t yet have the inner strength to guide the people through their fear and doubt. Perhaps the vestments were intended to help fortify him—so that when he wore them\, he felt the self-confidence needed to stand before the Divine on behalf of the people. \nToday\, we are witnessing a different form of idolatry—one of nation-states.\n In Israel and the United States\, we see participation in: \n\nGenocide and ethnic cleansing\n\nSilencing of freedom of expression\n\nAttacks on refugees\, immigrants\, asylum seekers\, and anyone daring to stand-up to empire\n\nAll of this done in the name of “national” and “religious” security. \nJust as fear was stirred among the Israelites\, today’s leaders—Jewish and non-Jewish alike—are stirring fear and hatred of the so-called “other.” \nOur Torah teaches us that when we fall into idolatry\, we need healing and repair. \nSo I ask: \n\nWhat homeopathic remedies do we need today?\n\nWhat strategies will give us the courage to reject false promises of safety built on violence?\n\nHow can we challenge the messages that tell us security comes from the slaughter of Palestinians\, or from silencing those who dissent?\n\nHow do we build a holy place where the Divine may dwell among us once more?\n\nWhat are the vestments we need to face this moment—with courage and truth?\n\n\nWhen I see others being courageous\, it becomes the remedy I need to strengthen my own resolve. Lest you think that we’ve become silent and complacent\, research has shown that since January 22nd\, we’ve seen more than twice as many street protests than took place during the same period eight years ago. In response to police brutality\, both in the U.S. and in Israel\, people continue to show up and demand liberation and justice for all people. In Gaza\, prior to Israel’s resumption of the bombing\, Palestinians returned to their homes and from the shattered cement began rebuilding their homes and their lives. The sumud\, steadfastness\, determination\, and courage of Palestinians and people all around the world refusing to succumb to cynicism and despair\, insisting on their humanity and dignity and the humanity and dignity of one another is a healing balm that strengthens my capacity and courage. \nThere are many\, many people who need us now—to tap into our inner resources\, to stand up\, to reject the efforts of those in power who seek to divide us\, and to help grow our movement for love\, justice\, and liberation. \nMay you find time this Shabbat to connect with the Divine source within and around you. May your heart and soul be nourished\, and may you find the inner strength to show up—as your most full and courageous self today and every day. \nShabbat Shalom\,\nRabbi Cat Zavis
URL:https://beyttikkun.org/event/rabbi-cats-musings-on-pekudei/
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