Voices of WRJ: Parashat D’varim

by Ellen Bick What is the strength of our words? We all know how powerful words can be and the impact they can have. The Book of Deuteronomy retells Israel’s history and laws for a new generation born in the desert. Here in Parashat D’varim (Deuteronomy 1:1-3:22), or ‘Words’, we find Moses looking across the Jordan River to the Promised Land. After 40 years of wandering, Moses gathers the people and speaks to them. God will not allow Moses to cross with his people. Saddened though he was at not being able to reach the Promised Land, Moses feels a strong responsibility to his people and uses this parting time to retell the stories of their wandering and to emphasize the laws of God. He feels the urgency to once again impart the word of God and make sure his people understand and honor it. He knows that these laws will be the foundation for the Jewish people as they move forward. Perhaps we can identify with Moses’ suffering, knowing that he will not cross over with the people he has nurtured for many years. But can we also identify with his sacred duty to his people; the deep caring that pushes him forward to prepare them for the new life ahead? He knows that with a strong connection to Torah, his people will be ready for their new future. Like Moses who took the time to talk to his people about their history, this Centennial year has given us the opportunity to reflect on WRJ’s long history, to recount the words and wisdom of our founding mothers, to revel in their vision and in the legacy they have left us. How fortunate we are to be a part of this wonderful organization, to share the long and proud history, and to make plans for the next 100 years. On a more personal level, we all know that the words we share do make a difference. How often have we used words of solace to our sisters in need, of encouragement, and of shared joy in our successes? The other weekend, I traveled to Southern California to take part in one of three exciting Centennial kick-off events. Women gathered in San Diego, Orange County, and Los Angeles to welcome WRJ Executive Director Rabbi Marla J. Feldman and WRJ 1^st Vice President Blair Marks. The focus of the events was WRJ’s Centennial celebration—to get the word out about the upcoming Assembly in San Diego in December and to retell the WRJ historic mileposts. Another gathering and another retelling, which is always important, instructive, and significant. In L.A., about 70 women gathered over lunch to hear about volunteer opportunities at the upcoming Assembly and listen to the wonderful music of Doug Cotler and three female vocalists. Of course, we ended with our Centennial anthem, Limdu Heiteiv. The Pacific District is excited to be laying the groundwork for local arrangements for the WRJ 49^th Assembly and Centennial Celebration. WRJ has an awe-inspiring history. Some of us have heard the details many times and the retelling makes us all the more proud. Others are hearing about the WRJ significant achievements and impact on the Reform Movement and on Judaism for the first time. It is all the more reason for the recounting. Like Moses, we are standing on a threshold; in our case it is the threshold of a new WRJ century, making new plans and moving forward, always stronger together. Ellen Bick is President of WRJ Pacific District and a member of Congregation Beth Israel in Portland, OR.