Dear Friends,
How are you and your families today? I hold you all in my thoughts and prayers in these crazy and uncertain times.
In recent services and meetings I have shared a story of two ancient rabbis who self-secluded in a cave for twelve years. This story has a lot to teach us about the essence of Judaism as it was evolving nearly 2000 years ago, as well as cautioning us how we might prepare to emerge from our own isolation into a new and different world.
The Talmud tells us that Rabbi Shimon bar Yohai spoke out against the Roman Government, so the Governor decreed he should be put to death. He and his son, Rabbi Elazar, hid in a cave and studied Torah with great fervor for twelve years until the Prophet Elijah (the same guy we open our doors to on Passover) appeared to tell them they could leave.
When the two emerged and saw people sowing and plowing, Rabbi Shimon bar Yoḥai said: “These people abandon eternal life of Torah study and engage in this worldly actions for their own sustenance!” (The chutzpah!) Every place that Rabbi Shimon and his son Rabbi Elazar directed their eyes was immediately burned. A Divine Voice said to them: “Did you emerge from the cave in order to destroy My world? Return to your cave!”
And so, they lived in the cave for another twelve months to atone for their sin. A Divine Voice said to them: “Emerge from your cave.” This time, everywhere that Rabbi Elazar would look was burned, but then Rabbi Shimon would heal. Rabbi Shimon said: “My son, you and I suffice for the entire world, as the two of us are engaged in the proper study of Torah.”
The first time they emerged they seemed to think that everyone (at least the men) should be studying Torah all day long as they did, and not bother to even work to feed their families. Their judgement and anger caused them to see the world with eyes filled with a burning and destructive hate, so unlike the teachings of the Torah they revered.
And so, they were sent back to the cave to do teshuvah, to repent, to change their world view – which Rabbi Shimon did. His gaze became compassionate and healing. He understood that Torah is about how to live in the actual world and he taught his son that this is the proper way of study.
What are we as individuals and as a collective community learning in our metaphorical cave? How will what we are learning and experiencing shape our world views and actions? How will it shape our children’s and grandchildren's views and actions? Will we emerge with fearful, judgmental, narrow eyes, or with eyes that can embrace change, empathy, and the well-being of all? We don't know the answers to these questions, yet.
This Shabbat I encourage you to consider what can ground you in your cave, your safe place (or what can make your place safer), at least at this moment, on this Shabbat. Breathe. Sing. Walk. Pray. Eat. Play. Seek connections. Cultivate compassion - for yourself, your loved ones, and all who are struggling.
May you and your families be blessed with health, safety and peace.
Shabbat shalom.
Rabbi Alison Adler
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