In this weeks Torah portion we read about moving from slavery towards redemption. There’s no promise that the road ahead will be easy, untroubled, or certain. What we do know, as the readers, is that remaining in servitude is no longer possible.
Some context from Torah to the world that I’m in: Here in New York we have had our first snowstorm. The hospitals are filled to capacity with Covid cases. It’s the first anniversary of the Capitol riot. Many relationships that were solid have shattered.
And yet: it’s nearly Tu Beshavat when the first buds will appear on the almond trees. There is collaboration and friendship in the world of music, theater and literature. I’ve just officiated at a glorious Interfaith wedding. Both families lit a unity candle and sincerely embraced each other. Babies are being treated, and born and the sun continues to rise. The light is there. My work, our work, is to position our chairs and our eyes to embrace that light.
As we leave slavery, that walk won’t be easy. Our backs are covered even as we feel that pebble of doubt, rolling around in our shoes.
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I was listening to a jazz station and the Shirley Horn song of ” Here’s to Life” came on in the music stream.I listened and I was stunned by the lyrics.I felt so much emotion in the few minutes that it was playing.It was both retrospective and forward looking.
It was a chilly morning and though the light was grey there was a hint blue in the skies. The day held out possibilities for change. A few hours after listening and taking in this song I was at the Museum of Modern Art. I went there to see the Georgia O’Keefe show. Again I was moved by color and light.
Here we are at this time of great possibilities: Giving it all we have…knowing there’s ” no yes in yesterday” and opening our eyes to the colors and art that are right in front of our eyes.
Dr. King’s words inspire me every day of the year. He loved the Bible and used the book of Exodus again and again for inspiration. What I hear though is the music of Dr King’s cadence…his oration was stellar…and thinking about a wedding and all of the details that go into its planning….its the music that the couple and their guests will hear, that will be the wedding opening. Spending time to choose the right music will enhance the excitement of the day.
We had a beautiful, perfect, and sunny day for the groom and bridge: an outdoor intimate ceremony with close friends and family.
Was beautifully celebrated by the parents, grandparents, great-grandmother family and friends.Many blessings were offered to the baby for a long life of joy, health and connection to the community.
Before the public ceremony we signed the Ketubbah.This centuries old tradition, held before the public wedding ceremony, link the couple deeply to each other.
Mazal Tov and many blessings!
I had the honor of officiating at this wedding of great joy and Love. There were many of us present to witness a ceremony that was overflowing with beauty, sincerity and an abundance of deep caring.
Mazal Tov!
Surrounded by loving family members and many happy friends the brides could not stop beaming with joy. It was a deep and meaningful ceremony here in New York City. Congratulations!!
Friends and family gathered to attend this beautiful and very happy celebration.I welcomed the guests who came from near and far. The bride and groom exchanged heartfelt vows. In keeping with my view of equalitarian wedding rituals, both the bride and groom broke the glass, at the end of the ceremony. We had a very loud and joyous “ Mazal Tov.”
2021 and Matzo
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