12/06/2024
Dear Friends,
This week’s Torah portion recounts a powerful and deeply human moment in the life of our forefather Jacob. He finds himself in a place of extreme darkness—fleeing from his brother Esau, who seeks to take his life. Jacob is in the throes of trauma and uncertainty, yet the Torah tells us: “He came upon the place” and prayed there during the night.
From this episode, our sages derive the tradition of the evening prayer, Ma’ariv. In Jewish mysticism, nighttime symbolizes chaos, pain, and the struggle to feel God’s presence in our lives. It represents those moments when we feel lost, unsure, and disconnected.
And yet, in the midst of this darkness, Jacob turns to prayer. His action reflects an unshakable connection to God—a connection rooted not in understanding, but in trust.
It’s like a child whose mother takes them to the doctor. As the doctor prepares a shot, the child, terrified, instinctively runs back to their mother’s arms. You might wonder, Why run to her? Isn’t she the one who brought you here? But to the child, it makes no difference. They know their mother loves them and wants only what’s best.
The evening prayer mirrors this dynamic. It embodies the tension of living in a world filled with uncertainty while holding onto the bedrock belief that God is with us. Even when we don’t understand His plan, we lean into His love and care, trusting that He is guiding us toward what’s best.
As we face the challenges in our lives, let’s remember Jacob’s prayer in the night. Let it inspire us to turn to God not only in times of light and clarity but also in moments of darkness and doubt.
Wishing you strength, connection, and peaceful Shabbat.
Warm regards,
Rabbi Benny Greenwald
Shabbat candle-lighting today in West Bloomfield is at 4:44
Save the date: Chanukah Celebration December 26th at 6 p.m.
