WRJ Voices: Ki Tavo

by Sharon Benoff Change. Transition. This is the season that is upon us. This is the season that we welcome both as individuals and as an organization. This past year, we moved into a new era at Women of Reform Judaism, one that welcomes both women's groups and individuals in the Reform Jewish community, a new era of change and inclusivity. Just as we welcome this new era at WRJ, as a Jewish community at large we too begin to prepare for the New Year. Self-determination to improve oneself is the central theme of the prayers recited during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. The Days of Awe are rich in meaning; they provide us the opportunity to reflect on both the pain of the past and the promise of the future. As we approach this period of transition and reflection, we are reminded that although change is rarely easy, it is necessary for growth. Parasha Ki Tavo begins with a ceremony marking the entry into the land of Israel (26:1-10). When the women of WRJ enter Jerusalem in 5777 we will mark the moment by reciting the blessing of shehechiyanu. Sharing together a moment of gratitude, a moment filled with blessings. In that precious moment of reciting shehechiyanu I often find myself rededicating myself to Israel, to God’s will. In order to receive God’s blessings one must obey God’s will and that comes with duties and responsibilities. Often I think about what changes need to occur in my actions and in my life this coming year in order to receive God’s blessings. Ki Tavo discusses the many blessings and curses that can be bestowed upon a person if they follow or break the commandments. Surely, I do not want the curses that are described in Ki Tavo: “Cursed shall you be in the city and cursed shall you be in the country” (Deuteronomy 28:16-19). But rather, I work towards a year of development in my personal life as well as for WRJ and aspire to the blessings spoken about in Ki Tavo: “Blessed shall you be in your comings and blessed shall you be in your goings” (Deuteronomy 28:6). As we take these thoughts of blessing and curses into the High Holy Day season, we are urged to look inward and assess what has transpired, what we need to let go of and how to act differently going forward. WRJ has opened our tent to all Reform Jewish women: individual members now can support the mission and vision of WRJ. We welcome all women to be part of the ruach of WRJ. We know intuitively that in an ever changing world filled with uncontrollable blessings and curses the most adaptable people are the most successful. But how does the process of change occur? Where does change come from? The first line of the Haftarah for this week, from Isaiah, offers a suggestion: "arise, shine!" cries the prophet, “for your light has dawned: the Presence of the Lord has shone upon you!” (Isaiah 60:1). The message seems clear: Change comes from the outside. God shines the divine light upon us, and we are transformed and further must rise to this light to change. Imagine this powerful approach to change. Just as we turn to God for help in so many aspects of our lives, acknowledging our lack of complete control, we can turn to God with prayers of transformation and adaptability. Perhaps we need forces larger then our own to assist us in this task; in the prayers of the High Holy Days we plead with God to transform us. We have the will and we ask God to provide the way. This transformation occurs for me on Shabbat. My spirit is often tired from a long week, but when I begin to sing L’cha Dodi, my attitude and thoughts change. So where does change come from? Perhaps change is implanted within each human being. Our light is always within us, even when we think that we have strayed far from the ideals that should guide our lives. Change comes from finding the points of light within our own souls. In the High Holy Day prayers, they almost insist that we have the capacity for good within us, if we only would get out of our own way and allow our light a clear path into the world! While sitting in the pews, during the High Holy Days, feelings of guilt and self-reproach wash over me. Often feeling I could have done more, should have done better, should have been kinder, the list is endless. But all of us must try to find the light within ourselves. When we look back at the year that has passed, we can remember the bright points when the light was able to shine, and we can work in the coming year to express our “lights” more fully. As we approach Rosh Hashanah 5777 and celebrate, it is incumbent upon us to dig deep, to be the change agents in order to grow personally and communally within WRJ and beyond. May we be open both to change from the external world and to change from within for this New Year. May it be a sweet and fulfilling 5777 - Shanah Tovah! Wishing each of you Shabbat blessings. Sharon Benoff is the current WRJ executive committee chair of individual membership and is a member of Shir Ami Sisterhood in Newtown, PA.