WRJ Voices: Tzav

For many modern Jews, the teachings of our Torah can often feel distant and even irrelevant to the world in which we live. This week's Torah portion, Parashat Tzav, is a good example. It contains instructions for the rituals of sacrifices and explains the elaborate rites for ordaining the ancient priest Aaron and his sons. At first glance we might be tempted to dismiss these verses as archaic words meant for our ancestors, not for us.

But Torah teaches that the hereditary priesthood of old isn't the only kind of priesthood. The whole community of Israel is commanded to be a nation of priests. All of us are called into sacred service, to take responsibility for the holiness of our world, to be healers of our planet and of our people.

And so, we must ask: What does it mean to be a nation of priests in our modern world? And what can the ancient laws of priesthood teach us as Reform Jewish women today?

At least one of the priestly roles continues to resonate metaphorically throughout time. Parashat Tzav begins with the instructions for keeping a perpetual fire burning on the altar. Three times we read about the fire burning on the altar and not going out. What is this fire that must not be extinguished?

I believe it is our passion for Judaism and for justice. Within each one of us is a spark, a unique connection with the Divine, a desire to repair and heal the world in which we live. Our task is to kindle this inner spark, to look continually at our lives and ask ourselves what supports and fuels the fire in our hearts and souls. That is the challenge of Parashat Tzav – to find ways to keep the fire of Judaism and justice burning inside.

In doing so, we can find inspiration and guidance in the ceremony that consecrates Aaron and his sons to the priesthood. Aaron and his sons place their hands on a ram which is then slaughtered. Blood from the ram is painted on their ears, thumbs, and big toes. Why these three places? Perhaps, say the rabbis, to represent the charge that they seek holiness in all that they hear, in all that their hands create, and in every place where they walk. As a nation of priests, we, too, today are charged to engage our ears, our hands, and our feet in helping advocate for a more just, compassionate, and peaceful world.

For me, it is the women of WRJ who help kindle the spark within me. Rabbi Shefa Gold writes: “Be with people who spark your creativity and enthusiasm. Keep reading and learning. Seek out places of beauty. Let yourself be challenged by difficult and interesting projects.” I continually am inspired by my WRJ sisters, who spark my creativity and enthusiasm. I've learned so much from them, and they've helped me seek out places of beauty like Israel – where I have forged lasting connections with Reform Jewish women from around the world. Most importantly, being part of WRJ has given me opportunities to be challenged by difficult and interesting projects. Two years ago, I knew relatively little about social justice advocacy work. Today, because of my work with WRJ, I am proud to be an active member of my synagogue's Tzedek Team and Humane Immigration Campaign, part of the WRJ Pacific District Social Action Task Force, a member of the Commission of Social Action of the Reform Judaism, co-chair of the WRJ's inaugural Social Justice Conference, and co-leader of our synagogue's delegation to the Religious Action Center's Consultation on Conscience this May.

We all play a crucial role in helping each other tend to our sparks, our inner fires of connection, justice, beauty, and healing. My WRJ sisters have helped me to engage my ears: to really listen and to hear the stories and needs of those around me; to engage my hands: whether I'm writing blogs or drafting letters to politicians, chopping vegetables at a local soup kitchen, or reaching out to those in need; and to engage my feet: marching for causes in which I believe and standing stronger in my Judaism. My connection to and involvement with WRJ has given me roots and wings, and I feel the fire burning within me anew each day.

On this Shabbat, let us rededicate ourselves to being a nation of priests. Let us find our own spark and ways to keep the fire of Judaism and justice in our hearts and souls burning each day and let us look for ways to help others do the same. Let us try to seek holiness in all that we hear – from the cry of the oppressed to the still, small voice within us, in the creative work of our hands, and in the direction our feet take us as we walk thoughtfully and with purpose on the path of life. And may our words, actions, and lives – as Women of Reform Judaism - always cultivate our highest potential of growth, expression, and humanity.

Karen Goldberg is a WRJ Board Member and a member of Women of Isaiah sisterhood in Lafayette, CA. Karen is also the co-chair of the inaugural WRJ Social Justice Conference in May 2019 in Washington D.C.