Greetings friends
Welcome to the first episode of the new year, and another famous new year is coming. We are a month from the year of the dragon – a great mythical beast, which we will talk about, and I know several dragons, and they, of course, are in for great years, and we notice more each day that the days are getting longer. Our search for light has been fruitful, and we are just a couple of weeks away from Holocaust Remembrance Day, which is observed on the 27th of January every year, so let’s shine a light on that day. Never has it been more important to remember than now, while so many haters and deniers are more vocal and more accepted than ever.
Last week we said goodbye to the book of Genesis as we laid Joseph in his coffin, and we open this new book by hopping on the way-back machine and propelling ourselves 400 years into the future. But, instead of going “way back,” we join H.G. Wells on his time machine and look into the future. And that view of the future is actually the beginning of the long process back, the long and winding road out of the pit, across the desert of lack and fear, and back to paradise.
Our focus will change. The story of a family has ended. The book of Genesis took us on a journey of narrowing our attention from the universe to the earth to humanity to a particular family; Exodus begins to broaden the circumference of attention again as the family grows into a nation—and comes into conflict with other nations.
Exodus introduces nationhood; prophecy; ritual, law and most important of all, it introduces the theme of G0d becoming known to the world – he had previously only been known to a handful - and all of this is done under the auspices of Names. For a book about names, we never learn the names of its principal characters – all but one, that is.
Some people are known by their names, some by their deeds, but we like to know names. It makes history concrete. It defines when and where.
Because names give us identity and define time and space - by not knowing the names, the essence of what becomes more important than who.
We meet the man through whose eyes the story will now be told. Left adrift as a baby, in the same kind of craft as that which housed Noah – just a smaller version – he, like Noah before him, stands as a testament to the idea of faith – left at the mercy of the will of G0d with no ability of self to control destiny.
We watch as a nation arises from fear, and many of us are still imprisoned by that fear, but we are all here to help them. No one need fear. The book of Exodus tells the story of the birth of a nation - born in slavery; held in fear - and ends with the nation’s establishment of its own center, leaders, and symbols in freedom. As the light of the season grows, the light of freedom grows.
Let the growing light into your lives because light gives us the ability to see, and when we can see, we need not be afraid. Keep practicing forgiveness and use this time to continue to forgive those you need to forgive and ask forgiveness from those you need to seek forgiveness from and give thanks and celebrate your freedom and joy; do not succumb to fear – light an extra candle and drive it away and please feel free to share this audio and video with any you think might enjoy it, and of course, enjoy all of our past audio and video episodes which are available on our YouTube channel. This episode will be posted on our channel - click here to watch the Rabbi David Gellman Show in the 2024 cycle.
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Thank you all for allowing me into your homes, into your electronic devices, into your hearts – as you are all with me in mine –
Be well, be happy, be healthy, be free, be kind, be forgiving, be compassionate, be independent of mind and deed, be mindful of your intentions and be good to yourself. Continue to celebrate freedom of choice in your life. Do not give in to the fear that is so prevalent, and enjoy the peace that comes from acceptance – as always - if you have any questions or suggestions or want to say “hi,” please send me an email. I love hearing from you.
And remember, anytime you do not want to receive these anymore, please send me an email so I can remove you. And know - that I truly appreciate your sharing your sacred time with me.
Enjoy and celebrate your life and the lives of others, and in doing so, be vigilant, be safe, and be careful, my friends, be happy and may you all sow the seeds of and reap the rewards of peace and love and miracles and make sure you also celebrate your unique individuality and your incredible awesomeness.
And remember – your world is what you make it. Just wish upon a star, continue to be a miracle in someone’s life, and light the light of love.
Blessings
RD
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