This Thanksgiving my family will be among the estimated 4.7 million Americans traveling back and forth over the long weekend. Thinking about the countless intersecting routes across the country will blow your mind. Cars, trains and planes in constant motion, only breaking for the holiday meal. The amazing thing about this chaotic blur of motion is how little of it is planned, and yet the majority of Americans will return safely and happy on Sunday night.
This is the week we read in the Torah in Parashat Vayeitzei of Jacob’s dream of a ladder with angels ascending and descending between heaven and earth. Have you ever thought of the delicate balance of beings on the narrow rungs of a ladder? Did one group climb, while the others waited? Or did both groups of angels go simultaneously? The Torah hints at the latter – the words for ascending (Olim) and descending (yordim) are written side by side – a feet only possible, with extreme cooperation and communication. This is perhaps, the true miracle of the dream, a demonstration of angels working in unison in a way humans struggle with. I imagine the bodies weaving around one another, making room patiently to ensure the safety of their fellow angels.
Thanksgiving is a reminder that humans are indeed capable of such artistry. We may not always be angels, but we often do a much better job of looking out for one another than we give each other credit for.\
Happy Chag Hodu, a Joyous Thanksgiving to one and all,
Rabbi Alex
Last Updated on 11/24/2023 by wpadm