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Our Holy Days are now behind us and we have been launched into a New Year with a clean slate. It is not a coincidence that we also begin again the reading of Torah. This annual cycle of reading from creation to redemption to revelation through the five books mirrors how we, too, move through life.

We are creators. Genesis reminds us that we are our life’s designers. Every time we speak or send a text or an email, every time we choose to do something or not do something, we are creating our destiny.

We are redeemers. Exodus reminds us that it is always within our power to free ourselves from negative thinking or unhealthy habits. We can also be agents in securing freedom for others who do not enjoy the freedoms we do.

We are citizens of the world. Leviticus reminds us how important rules and systems are for creating a just and compassionate society, and how we help create that society by being kind, thoughtful and loving humans.

We are wanderers. Numbers acknowledges that we all wander through mysterious and challenging territory in our lives. When we confront the unknown we learn so much about ourselves. The deserts of our lives teach us courage and fortitude.

We are recorders. Deuteronomy reminds us that we have a responsibility to document and carry with us our stories and those of our families and our people. These stories remind us of both our strengths and our shortcomings and inform how we can improve the way in which we live and relate to others.

Every time we cycle through the Torah we experience life itself. We are living in and through each of the sacred books. As we begin with Creation once more, let us look at it as an opportunity to renew, to engage with our personal narrative and that of our people. I wish you a year of wonderful discovery and growth.

Shabbat shalom,

Beth