Rabbi Weill's Blog

Dear Friends,

This week, as we begin the book of Exodus, Moses feels woefully unqualified for the mission God places upon him: to be God's agent of redemption for the Israelites; to be the great teacher of Torah at Sinai; to lead the people through the wilderness. 

"Mi anochi?" Moses protests. Who am I to accomplish all of this? The Israelites will not believe me. Pharaoh will not speak to me. I have a speech impediment. And so on. 

God responds to Moses with reassurances: you will create miracles; your brother Aaron will speak for you; I will be with you.

God was, indeed, with Moses, just as God was with the Israelites for forty years, from Egypt to the threshold of the Promised Land. God was there, nourishing, empowering, and protecting the people Israel.   

The first time I held Betsy and Ruthie and Sammy, I sang into their little ears a song by The Pretenders called I'll Stand By You: "I'll stand by you/Baby, even in your darkest hour/Won't let nobody hurt you/I'll stand by you." This was the song I shared last night (follow the link below), following the minyan for our weekly "Folk-Rock-Torah" song.  

We all stand by and protect our loved ones, but only to a degree. For this unpredictable world is full of uncertainty and despite even our most strenuous labors, we cannot assure those dearest to us that they will not experience their share of life's hazards. Unfortunately, experience teaches that not even God does that.

Still, we pray for their health, safety, success, and happiness. And we love them with full hearts. And we learn that our prayers and love may be the greatest reassurance of all.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Jeffrey Weill

 I'LL STAND BY YOU (Lyrics) - THE PRETENDERS