There’s been a lot of rain this week. And, would you believe that we’re also reading the Torah portion about Noah, this week? Don’t build an Ark, but if you live in a high-rise, you might stay where you are until next week when we read the Torah portion, “Lech-lecha,” which means, “Go forth!”
The story of Noah is familiar to us. We began reading it as children. It was then that we learned how God saved all the creatures from a destructive flood after concluding that the world was a rotten place. And, later God promised never to destroy the earth again by flood. The sign of that promise was the rainbow. Today, we’re still in awe of the beautiful colors that stretch over the earth on a sunny day after a rain shower.
A remarkable thing about Torah is how succinctly it said God would not destroy the world by flood waters ever again. That’s a comfort. But, God only made the promise about water. What about the means God gave us to destroy the earth by our own devices? We’re so smart we’ve brought about an age of nuclear weapons, world hunger, and global warming, all by ourselves.
Like God, in our own way we can promise not to destroy the earth again, too. Torah is rife with teachings on how to tend to the earth and its people with greater compassion. We’ve been taught to “make peace where there is strife,” how to “feed the hungry and clothe the naked,” and how to let the land rest after years of cultivation. In some measure, we are succeeding in making a positive difference that contributes to our well-being on earth. We do participate in peace-building programs. We do contribute food and clothing to those who are in need. And, we do take a vacation to restore ourselves. We’re being “green” in many ways; and, yet, an honest person would admit that there is more to do.
God’s rainbow that is set over the earth, even if it can be explained scientifically, is a marvelous symbol of God’s promise to us. Now, it’s time to send signs of our own that express our promises to God. Our signs are our deeds, and they aren’t only symbolic.
Houston is a model community for interfaith activities. I recommend that you peruse local news for opportunities to participate in Amazing Faith Dinners, through Interfaith Ministries; or, check future programs at Beth Israel and the ADL Pulpit Exchange. If you haven’t contributed to the Houston Food Bank or the Good Works Fund at Beth Israel, which supports Houston food pantries, do it, today. The hungry can’t wait. If you’re exhausted from long hours of work and demands on your time, then make Shabbat each week. Make it at home and enjoy it at Temple.
We are partners with God. Modern theologians recognize that God’s “cosmic design” will be realized only through our active participation in “Tikkun Olam,” repairing the world. It’s a core Jewish value. As powerful as we’ve become technologically and industrially, we must harness our power in order to realize a much larger good. Surely, we can strive for greater peace, feed more hungry souls, and refresh ourselves as we honor God and the Sabbath.
In anticipation of next week’s portion, Lech-lecha, Go Forth, I urge us all to send a sign to God, through deeds that make a difference. Let’s begin a new week as true partners in “Tikkun Olam,” by being good stewards of the earth that has been entrusted to us for the sake of all its inhabitants.
From my family to yours, Shabbat Shalom.
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