Voices of WRJ: Tol'dot

by Marla Goldberg "V’eleh toldot Yitzcak: This is the line of (a.k.a. generations of) Isaac, son of Abraham." After clarifying Rebekah’s lineage via patriarchal descent—which is how it was done back in the day—Isaac pleads on behalf of his wife, as she was childless. The theme of infertility presents in two out of two matriarchs—so far. This time, it is Isaac, husband of Rebekah, who takes it upon himself to do the advocacy work. He pleads to God for intervention, and lo and behold, Rebekah becomes pregnant. While Rebekah is silent here, later in this parashah, she displays less than subtle favoritism toward one of her children and commandeers family dynamics in a rather large way. Earlier, when sensing the pressing of children in her uterus, she simply questions her role in life, asking “…why do I exist?” She then has a one-on-one with God, who foretells her carrying two peoples (nations) with the elder serving the younger. She gives birth to twins: Esau and Jacob. From that point on, we read about forays of stealing birthrights and blessings—and overall, this story line seems to mirror contemporary soap operas or reality television. What keeps me hanging out in the beginning of this parashah however, is the distinction between when Rebekah has an advocate and when she advocates for herself. This reminds me of our WRJ social justice work involving advocacy issues, resolutions, and statements in addition to our YES Fund distribution grants. At WRJ, there are times when we, as a collective, decide that a statement is in order and other times when we call for action. Often we take a stand on issues by declaring resolutions. We partner with other organizations, thereby increasing the volume of our voices and the power that we are able to wield. So, who is it that we speak up for? Most often, it is for those who are not able to do so for themselves. As for YES Fund, our philanthropic efforts are felt across the globe and focus on Youth, Education and Special Projects. When you view our new, creative. and dynamic video, below, you will see our impact in living color with definite dollar amounts attached—and that is all within a two-year period! It is really very impressive and all of us can feel proud in funding these endeavors, most of which are ways we advocate on behalf of others. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZNJmg2beUw[/embed] So, when is the time that we advocate for ourselves? I believe much of our WRJ work is a collective ask, so to speak. We hope for smooth-running conventions, powerful learning opportunities (note: the WRJ Fried Leadership Conference is taking place January 30-February 1), and uplifting worship opportunities when we pray to God. We invest in the future of Reform and Progressive Judaism, in which we are active members. When praying the Mi Shebeirach, our healing prayer, we think about others and then, only sometimes, we may even incorporate ourselves. My personal feeling is that when I am with my WRJ sisters, it is easier to think beyond myself and include others. We are strengthened by one another—it is how we are wired. In contrast, when I pray alone, whether in synagogue or outside in nature, that is when I try to access the “still small voice inside me” to help me be more God-like in my actions. In turn, this somehow helps me engage in and do the work needed to help others. Like Rebekah, we are continually afforded the opportunity of learning when to let others help and when we need to take matters into our own hands. With this lesson in mind, I wish my WRJ sisters the courage, fortitude and patience to move smoothly from strength to strength—knowing that we are “real women, making a real difference.” Marla Goldberg is currently serving on the WRJ Board of Directors and is the YES Fund Chair. She recently completed her term as WRJ Midwest District Immediate Past President.