We begin reading the Book of Leviticus this Shabbat. It’s the book that describes a community of holiness, beginning with the role of the high priest and the obligations of the Israelite people. The role of the high priest was complex. They received sacrificial offerings from the people and performed rituals on their behalf. They received offerings of thanksgiving, sin offerings, free-will offerings, meal offerings, etc. The people obeyed strict ritual laws in order to maintain their place in a sacred community where they would earn God’s blessing.
Since the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, in 70 CE, by the Romans, Jews have not brought sacrifices to a high priest. Instead, Jews learned to bring personal prayers to God. They began to participate in communal worship that required no one to intercede for them. They stood before God, alone. The development of Jewish prayer is outlined in many books. Some of our prayers today have their roots in ancient rituals from Temple times, but many more are freely written and derive from medieval and modern ages. In fact, Jewish prayer is always evolving. Familiar prayers and their melodies are often referred to as “traditional” when in fact they are nothing more than “familiar.” Sometimes, they are often only a few decades old, if that much, but they resonate with us because they recall our youth, a special occasion, or a favorite melody.
We participate in a spiritual quest for God’s presence through Jewish rituals and prayer. And, in God’s presence, we’re supposed to find everything we need. That’s the promise, but it isn’t always that easy. It isn’t easy when prayer doesn’t fix or heal what is broken or ailing. It isn’t easy when prayer doesn’t change what we can’t change on our own. If we behave not like ancient Jews, but like modern Reform Jews, then we might see that prayer doesn’t have to be about God responding directly to wants and needs. Rather, prayer is about engaging in life’s complexities with all the courage, strength, and inspiration God already implanted within us. Imagine the power of prayer for an addict who must take responsibility for his own recovery. Instead of praying, “God, save me,” he might pray, “God, help me see the value of my life and its purpose. Be with me as I make tough choices and choose life everyday.”
In the Book of Leviticus, we read about very ancient rituals that sometimes sound far from our life, today. Many of them are, but many of them are simply echoes of our own need to find a way to relate to God. Don’t bring your sacrifices to Beth Israel, but do bring your prayers. They are our brand of offerings, today. And, don’t expect the rabbi to play the role of high priest. You are the bearer of your own prayers, and there is nothing that stands between you and your God. Pray for everything you need. Pray for God’s presence to be with you as you discover everything God has already implanted within you for good and for blessing.
A sacred community begins at home. It expands from there to include everyone who is touched by your life. Make a difference. Honor God’s creative acts found in you with good deeds and personal prayers.
From my desk to yours, Shabbat Shalom.
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