This week we complete the reading of the book of Exodus and it is traditional when we finish a book of the Torah to say, Hazak Hazak, V’nithazek which means may we be strong and may we strengthen each other.
The end of the book of Exodus puts the final touches on the portable Tabernacle which our ancestors built in the desert. Our ancestors took great care in creating what was going to become holy space.
What are the holy spaces in our lives? Where are our safe zones? Where do we go when we need to communicate with G-d and try to find ourselves.
Recently, one of our children celebrated a big birthday and received a present of an airplane ticket to wherever they wanted to go…Our child chose to go to Israel because of a desire to go to a place where (s)he could “get his/her life together” and think about where (s)he is in his/her life.
I hope you have a place that you go when you want to take a break, when you want to experience a sacred moment, when you want to improve your mental health, and/or when you just want to be alone and think about the meaning of your life.
May we find strength in our holy places and may we help others to find holiness in their lives and strengthen each other in our efforts to create sacred spaces in our lives.
Shabbat Shalom and enjoy your vacation!!!
Rabbi Bruce