For some reason, this past week several videos of interviews with scientist Neil DeGrasse Tyson. As we continue to get ready for Passover, two of those videos come to mind. In the first, Tyson explains the fact that we exist on this planet is an extraordinary thing – the fact is life does not always come into being and, although I don’t understand the science fully, he says there are many more lives that did not come into being than that did. In the second, he explains the four elements that make up our bodies – Hydrogen, Oxygen, Carbon, and Nitrogen – are the same basic building blocks of the entire universe. So, we are part and parcel of the universe and it is part of us. We are one, unified creation.
Our ancestors, as we studied in this week’s reading, are grateful to be free from Egypt and Moses brings them together – Vayakhel, he gathers them – to teach and request materials for the creation of the Mishkan from anyone willing to give.
This Shabbat we preview the aftermath of the Exodus. We indulge in the privilege of knowing how the story turns out whereas on Passover itself, while even then we know the outcome, our tradition teaches us to re-experience the Exodus just as our ancestors did. And let’s remember, they hear Pharaoh agree to let them free several times before they actually go free.
If we’re going to be one nation, if we’re going to fulfill the potential of the freedom God gives us, then it’s important everyone knows they can stand with Moses and take part in the people’s first major project.
Abraham Ibn Ezra explains Moses gathers the people, Vayakhel Moshe et Kol adat B’nai Yisrael, he gathers them so that everyone can hear from him, from one source, about the Mishkan and the plan for its construction.
And unlike their days in Egypt, when most likely a weaker, or less able, person would be punished by taskmasters for not fulfilling their quotas, now, as Rebbe Nahman of Bratzlav explains, Moses reaches out to all the Israelites regardless of their level of faith, regardless of their status, so that everyone participates in this moment. Rebbe Nahman teaches us, even when we see someone isolated and withdrawn, it’s up to us to follow Moses’ example and be with them, to validate them, and make sure they know they’re never alone – and that they are also partners in the ongoing holy work of creating a world of holiness and blessings.
In addition to watching several videos of Neil DeGrasse Tyson, I also was listening to some classic Israeli music this week. I’ve always liked the old songs, folk songs, and the grainy sounding recordings of sweet voices singing about nature, relationships, love, and longing.
One song I listened to expands on the way Rebbe Nahman reminds us of the importance of reaching out, doing our best to include all voices. Arik Einshten sings, “Ani ve’atah ne’sha’neh et’ha’olam…ani ve-atah az ya’vo’u kvar kulam…” You and I will change the world, you and I, and then others will follow.”
This week as we end the book of Exodus and get ready to celebrate Passover, we recognize the importance then of leading by example, of looking at a world that often marginalizes the softer voices, even the medium throttle voices, and lifting each other up, opening the door to each other, offering each other what little extra margin of strength we have so that together we rise stronger and persevere.
To create the Mishkan, everyone has something to give – if not materials, then a skill, if not a skill then a willingness to support those who are taking an active role. We’re all responsible for one another as our tradition teaches us and so every mitzvah our ancestors do contributes to creating the Mishkan, and every mitzvah we do contributes to creating a holy space right here, right now.
We are fortunate to exist, even in adversity there is a chance to bring blessings into the world, and we are part of the universe just as it is part of us from the smallest hydrogen, carbon, oxygen and nitrogen atoms. We can see the broken places in the world, we can feel the pain others are feeling, we see conflict, and the Passover spirit encourages us to feel all these feelings, literally to taste them, so that we can enable ourselves to lift up and free others.
Chazak chazak ve’nitchazek, may God bless us with the ability to do this mitzvah and others in the days ahead.
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