D'var Torah

In our parashah this week, Mishpatim, we move from our narrative Exodus story to hearing about the laws that outline how the Israelites should live and create their community. Chapter 24, verse 3 of Exodus reads: “Moses went and repeated to the people all the commands of God and all the rules; and all the people answered with one voice, saying, “All the things that God has commanded we will do!

“Na’aseh – We will do,” is a response full of action. The Israelite people are excited- they are ready to jump in and actively engage with the ideals that have been laid out for their community.

Sometimes, we take plenty lot of time to think before we do something and taking that time to assess can serve us. But other times, and especially when it comes to our Jewish lives, we have so many opportunities to enrich our experiences simply by going out on a limb, taking a chance, and being brave enough to try something new. It is my hope that each of us, in our exploration of the commandments and laws that God has laid out for us, will find our own responses of “we will do,” and find our own excitement in Jewish practice and ritual.

I am currently most excited for Shabbat this weekend as we will be joined on the bimah by my friend and colleague, guest artist Cantor Becky Mann. She will bring new songs, texts, and interpretations of prayer through her beautiful and inspiring music. It is my hope that many of you will join us, both at Shabbat services on Friday night, and at our Beit Cafe Concert on Saturday evening, not just to listen, but to jump in, saying “we will do!” or “na’aseh” as we join our voices in new songs and explore different pieces of liturgy. I’m really looking forward to diving into the experience of singing, creating, and learning together and I know Cantor Shochet and Cantor Mann share that sentiment. Shabbat Shalom, and hope to see you around TRS this weekend! 

Cantor Sydney Michaeli