Parshat of the Week -- Vaera

Our parsha this week begins with an editorial conundrum. What is the name of G-d? Chazal (our blessed sages) seem to tell us that the ambiguity in the approaches to the Divine name are all based on the dynamic relationship between each individual patriarch, their unique relationship with G-d, rooted in the specifics of the history and communication between them. Maybe the Name is connected to the ineffable name which is revealed to Moshe. But what is that name? Depends where you’re coming from. Is G-d to be named with the un-namable, or with some sort of unique personal connection? Is G-d a conceptual construct for you? A physical being that you observe and worship, but don’t really understand? Or the opposite; you get the liturgy, but not the theology?

Therein lies the beauty of Judaism. 

In this week’s parsha, G-d says to Moshe that He has revealed himself to the Patriarchs, has understood their travails, and will rescue them. How great is our hope, and how deep is our trust?

We prey to a Deity whose name we can’t pronounce and can’t read. Our G-d is accessible and simultaneously inaccessible. G-d wishes for our embrace, but who will all too easily slip from our grasp.

It takes faith and concentration to get our hands around something which resists holding.  Even more so to embrace it with our minds.

Vaera…and I (G-d) appeared. Every generation gives us a unique connection to G-d. Let us make that connection anew, and strengthen it with each passing of the years.
Shabbat ShalomRabbi/Hazzan David B. Sislen