If we look at the words of Jacob as he blesses the next generation, we can see how he incorporates the past into the future in a way that grounds us but also liberates us to grow: We, who are part of the process now, are the ones to continue the values that are deeply seeded in our traditions from the time we were just a start up, into the institution that is unfolding before our eyes and because of the work of our hands. We are learning how to talk to each other in a setting that is much larger than what we are used to. We are a much larger community now, a more formidable institution which is learning new ways of communicating, programming, and creating our new culture. This is a familiar story and I see it happening in our synagogue. It is an unruly bunch and the people in it are learning how to navigate new structures and codes of conduct. And now the 12 sons of Jacob each have their own families.
They were exceptionally welcoming and reminded us that kindness to strangers is the prevailing message. Abraham and Sarah stood for righteousness, even in the face of God. We were a Mom and Pop institution with all of the charm and values of Abraham and Sarah. We are ending Bereishit (Genesis) and beginning Shemot (Exodus), where we see the transformation from a large family into interconnected tribes. We are on the cusp of growth this Shabbat.
