Thank you to all who were able to come and learn with us on
Sunday! For those of you who could not make it, you are always welcome to come
and sit in on class and learn along with us. We are just starting the
Torah portion of Sodom and Gemmorah. No worries: we are reading SELECT parts.
I am focusing primarily on the relationship between Abraham and God,
which outlines how the Jewish people will relate to God throughout the Torah.
Abraham stands up to God (albeit in a very respectful way), and
negotiates with the Almighty, to save some souls in these fated cities.
Unlike Noah, who just faithfully obeyed God, Abraham tries to get God to
change his mind. And guess what, while the outcome remains the same: God
listens. God does not merely accept Abraham's request, but there is a bit
of banter and so begins our model of WRESTLING WITH GOD. We see Abraham
flatter God, then shame/guilt God a bit, and we see God play "dumb"
and play along with Abraham to see where the argument will end. It is a
lot like the communications that go on between parents and children.
Sometimes as parents we KNOW HOW IT IS GOING TO END, but the process of
arguing/discussing/wrestling also yields very good results, and is worth the
while.
Have a wonderful holiday and break.
Warm regards,
Morah Gawel
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