Torah Thoughts – Beha’alotecha

Torah Thoughts Beha’alotecha

I am not sure if I am more excited about the fact that a super hero movie with a female lead is on top of the Box Office, or if it is because the lead actress in question is Israeli. The movie of course is Wonder Woman, with Gal Godot as its star. While I doubt I will ever see the movie itself, images of Godot battling bad guys and breaking down stereotypes warm my liberal Jewish heart. From my perspective we have always had exciting Jewish heroines, like our foremothers, Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah, or later Biblical characters like Deborah the Prophet, Yael the slayer of Sisera, or, of course, Esther, from the story of Purim. Their parts are often small, but that in no means takes away from their historical significance. One of my favorite heroines is Miriam, who bravely guides baby Moses to safety, celebrates at the crossing of the Sea, and is a hopeful presence throughout the Torah. She even is given a super power, being in charge of the wells of Israel, turning bitter water, sweet, and making the journey of the Israelite people bearable.

In this week’s Torah portion, Beha’aoltecha, Miriam faces some adversity. She and her brother Aaron get caught spreading gossip, and for this crime, Miriam is stricken with a disease that turns her skin a deathly shade of white. Like the comic book heroine ingesting poison, Miriam is suddenly in a life or death race for a cure. It turns out only Moses’ prayer to God, the famous “ana el na refa na la, please God heal her,” saves the day and returns Miriam to full health. Like the battle of Superman and Batman in an earlier DC movie (the one in which Wonder Woman first appeared), here it is the good guys fighting one another that dominates the narrative. From this point forward they will be united in their struggle to reach the Promised Land.

In truth, women heroines are plentiful in today’s world. I only need to look around Congregation Shir Shalom to our many female members fighting the good fight every day and making a real difference in the world. I want you to know that you inspire me and I am so grateful to be in community together. Next Friday, our Jewish Federation will be celebrating many of these woman of distinction, including CSS’ very own Rella Corris, at a luncheon at Temple Beth Tzedek. If you have not signed up already, I encourage you to come be part of this important occasion.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Alex

p.s. – I want to welcome Rabbi Steve and Patty Mason to our community. Welcome back to Buffalo!!!