Shemot
A Journey of Liberation
Rabbi Shefa Gold
The
Book of Shemot/Exodus is about
liberation on many levels. The
literal story of the liberation of the Israelites is also a map of the inner
journey of liberation.
The
process of liberation begins with the awareness of our enslavement. This process then moves in stages,
through plague and miracle as we explore the true meaning of freedom. At each point in the process - the
crossing of the Sea, the journey through the wilderness, the gift of Revelation
- we realize that we are not yet free.
We discover that the bitterness of slavery has corrupted and poisoned
us. The imprint of slavery exiles
us into habit and the illusion of separateness,
Through
the story of Exodus we remember the true meaning and purpose of freedom. Again and again God reminds us, "I
brought you out of Egypt to BE YOUR GOD" in other words, "to be in
relationship with you."
That
relationship, that awareness of our connection to the Source and all Creation,
is what sets us free. The last third
of the Book of Exodus is about the building of the Mishkan (the portable Sanctuary), which is the place where
the intimate connection with God can manifest. God says, "Build me a holy place so that I can dwell
inside you and between you."
In the Miskhan, we get a
glimpse of freedom and we taste the holiness of connection.
--
Return to Reb Laura's
"Taste of Torah" list.
Return
to "Teachings from Our Rabbis and Friends" list.
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