The Benefits of Hanging Together

Solidarity work is not for the faint hearted. It is personal and it is political. And, it challenges everyone involved. And every case is different.

This week, we Jewish communities around the world are reading Parashat Beshallach-- the story of the Jewish flight from Egypt, through the Red Sea.

Sometimes I wonder what that experience was like. Marching through those parted waters, with everyone in the community. EVERYONE in the community. You know that annoying neighbor who chit chats loudly, and that guy at the market who sells smelly stew. And that woman-- you know the one-- the one who doesn’t respect personal space? Well, ALL of the Israelites marched together in search of a better world, to make a better life, united under a common vision for their future. Ultimately, the power of the day was not that the sea split, it was that everyone could appreciate one another's humanity and rejoice in the shared experience of liberation.

The above is a reflection by Rabbi Heather Miller on this week's Torah portion, Parashat Beshallach, Exodus 13:17-17:16. Please visit rabbiheathermiller.com to subscribe and follow on social media.