In looking through the Torah recently, I noticed something subtle but important. While most portions are relatively easy to find. Their initial verses are unusual enough that they stand out. This is not the case with either this week or last week’s Torah portions. Both Ki Tetzei and Ki Tavo have several fake outs, where the Torah looks almost identical, but is a different section altogether. What is going on? Why is it so complicated to find these portions at the end of Deuteronomy? Perhaps, our tradition is teaching us to pay attention. Shema, listen, look up and reflect. Rosh Hashanah is just around the corner. This is the time to look a little closer even at things we are most familiar with.
This Saturday night, our community will be gathering at Temple Beth Tzedek for Slichot services. One of the prayers central in the liturgy is Shema Koleinu, a prayer that literally means, “listen to our voices.” We sing this not only to God, whom we hope is paying close attention to our individual and societal pleas, but to one another. There is so much that can distract us, get us off track. But this, of all times, is a moment that requires our attention, all of our attention.
As a side note, the acronym for our new shared religious school B’COL, Buffalo Community of Learners, means “with a full voice” or “out loud.” The message to our students is to extend their voices to be heard. Be loud and proud about their Judaism and about who they are in the world. Not only to pay attention, but to be noticed. Only by stopping and looking around, can we truly see one another. An important value to teach not only kids, but anyone at any age.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Alex