Shabbat Ki Tissa/Parah
Torah: Exodus 30:11 - 34:35 / Maftir: Numbers 19:1 - 19:22 | Shabbat Parah
Haftarah: Ezekiel 36:16 - 36:38 | Shabbat Parah
“A Cleft in the Rock”
Dear Friends,
Can we ever see God? This was Moses’ request when he ascended Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments. He asked to see God’s face (Exodus 33:17-23). However, the request was denied since the text tells us that anyone who sees God’s face will die. Thus, God, placed Moses in a cleft of the rock, shielded Moses with God’s hand, and passed by Moses so that he could see God’s back.
This is a fascinating story. Can we ever see God? No. Can we ever see God’s work? Can we see evidence of God’s presence? I think so. God is present in loving and caring relationships. God is present in the awesomeness of the universe and the beauty of the natural world. God is present in moments of godliness. In the best of times, and the worst of times, even now when so many are concerned about the spread of the coronavirus, God is present.
We cannot see God. Yet, we know when God’s presence brings blessing, healing, love, and awe into our lives.
Shabbat shalom.
Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow
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