Returning to Land, Home, and Family
Torah Tuesday in (exactly) 100 words
As the Israelites leave Mt. Sinai to continue on through the desert, Moses’ father-in-law Jethro declines to go with them. Instead, he says, he’ll return to his birthplace, Midian. A midrash explains:
There are some who have a land, but no possessions; others who have possessions, but no family. But I have a land, possessions, and family, and I was a priest in my land.
We are not all blessed with a piece of earth, things we’ve worked for, family, community, and religious roots. But Jethro teaches that any one of these is reason enough to make the journey home.
Every Tuesday I offer a reflection on the Torah portion of the week -- in 100 words, of course. This week’s Torah portion is B’haAlotekha, in the book of Numbers. The 3rd century midrash I quoted was Sifrei Bamidbar 79:1. It continues, “If I will not go (home) because of my land, I will go because of my possessions; and if I will not go because of my possessions, I will go because of my family.” Please share, comment, and join the conversation!
Book Launch
My new book — The Secret Despair of the Secular Left — just came out today!! If you’re in the NYC area, please join me on June 18, 7:30pm to celebrate the book launch with the brilliant and open-hearted Rabbi David Ingber at the 92nd St. Y in Manhattan.
In the spirit of the book, it’s in-person only :-) It would be great to see you there!
Info and registration: https://www.92ny.org/event/ana-levy-lyons