The Biblical View: R’ei

Hello, friends and readers,

I’m on vacation and giving myself a badly needed break, so this is going to be super short and quick.

Mostly I want to refer you to a podcast that greatly inspired me this past week and left me with a deep amount of faith and belief for the future.

I was listening to Krista Tippett interviewing the very young and wise Rev. Jen Bailey. The title of the episode goes perfectly with this week’s Torah portion, R’ei, which means “See!” because what they talk about is something we all need to see and understand.

With only 7 weeks left to the Torah for the year, we continue on this path of last instructions before the Israelite people will cross over into the Promised Land, leaving Moses behind. It was curious that in the interview, Krista notes how her younger self always thought that Moses not getting to enter the Promised Land was the “wrong ending,” but her mature self understands that it could be a relief.

I don’t know if Krista had any idea where we are in the Torah at the moment, but her reference was perfect timing. She says that she now understands that what we will do for the rest of our lives we will not see the fruits of (like Moses), but what we do see is the younger generations and what they are capable of.

And a quote from Jen Bailey to peak your interest: “I can do what I can do during this time and also pass on that which came to me as seed, as blossom, and plant it, and let someone else tend to it. It’s okay not to build the whole house, to just lay the foundation.”

So take a listen to this sweet and comforting conversation between two generations. I have faith that you will be as inspired as I was: What We Inherit and What We Send Forth.

Good Shabbos and good week!