Another week has gone by and it seems that every day brings some news of the chaos, instability and violence in this world. I woke up this morning to the awful news of the assassination of Japan's longest serving prime minister Shinzo Abe, and yesterday began with the news that Britain's prime minister, Boris Johnson, did the right thing by resigning amidst scandal and turmoil. The week that began with July 4th started, of course, with another horrific mass shooting in Highland Park, Illinois. It is so challenging to remain calm as it feels like the world spins out of control. And yet, here I am in the place of my birth among family and friends comforted, strengthened and nurtured by the gift of water.
This week, I got to swim three times in special, natural and cold bodies of water - the beautiful swimming ponds on Hampstead Heath in North London and the River Crouch on the east coast where I learned to sail. I also got to crew with my sister at the helm in a Wednesday evening race on Seamist, a boat my father used to race in the 1970s. Being in and on water has been a great source of joy and comfort for me for which I am very grateful.
In this week's parsha, Hukkat, Moses' siblings Miriam and Aaron die. After Miriam's death, the people bitterly and thirstily complain at the lack of water. According to the tradition, there was a miraculous well that accompanied Miriam through the wildnerness wanderings, nurturing and nourishing the Israelites physically, emotionally and spiritually. When she died, it dried up and the people were desperate and angry. Moses was instructed to "speak to the rock," to produce water, but in his grief, despair and rage, he missed the subtelty of the instruction, and hit the rock with his staff. Water gushed out, but for his momentary loss of control, he apparently lost the right to lead the tribes into the Promised Land. A very painful story.
Most of us have moments when we feel like we have lost it in our rage and despair, and we lash out at the world; we lose the power of speech and calm communication, and the capacity for violence consumes us. Local and global events in our world are penetrated by violence and the ability to use loving and compassionate words fades in the chaos. Leaders need the gentle, sweet and nurturing waters of Miriam to lead with integrity, love and patience. We all do. May we find physical and spiritual healing water to quench our thirsty bodies and souls.
Shabbat Shalom Rabbi Marc
Congregation Bonai Shalom 1527 Cherryvale Rd Boulder, CO 80303
