I am a Netflix junkie. We
watch movies, television shows, documentaries, anything – but I’m also guilty
of watching old tv series, ones that I’ve seen before. You know what I’m
talking about, you do it too. So when I started to
‘re-watch’ the amazing award winning white house drama– the West Wing !!!! My
husband rolled his eyes at me and asked why are you watching that again?
Because I want to be
inspired.
I watched House of Cards,
Blacklist, Orange
is the New Black, Dexter – alot of good shows by incredible talented writers--but
dark shows. I re-watched THIS story
because of how it makes me feel. I
wanted to hear language that aspired to greatness, that was creative,
characters whose intentions were good and noble, whose mission was righteous
and made me want to enter their story and be part of their world because it
raised me higher. For me, the world and stories of President Bartlet did just
that.
The Jews, two of which are
represented in the West Wing’s inner script -- are no strangers to retelling
great stories. Every week we quote and reference and raise up the tales of our
forefathers and mothers for what they stood for, how they behaved under the
most trying conditions, how they put their yearnings and fears into language
and prayer; they argued with God and manipulated enemies. They stood for
something bigger than themselves.
Parashat Beshalach this week,
we read the song of the sea, shirat HaYam, the age old retelling of the Exodus
– running from Egypt and slavery, the 10th plague a recent memory,
matzah on our backs, and Pharoah and his army chasing us through the desert
until we arrived at a dead end. The Red Sea. Indescribable terror, desperation,
uncertainty. What were the Israelites to do – endless water in front of them
and their enemies at their heels.
Here we meet another great
character named Nachshon – the initiator—and his story is another worth
re-enacting. Because it is inspiring and
brave and noble and selfless.
Nachshon’s story
Many of you can identify with
him – in times of challenge, when all that surrounds you is panic,
hopelessness, fear….
My life, like many of yours,
has been touched by cancer. In my family, in my friendships, in my
congregation….this terrible and challenging journey is its own version of the
crossing of the sea. Solid and threatening walls of water on either side—
Every doctors appointment is
the roaring of the waves as it churns and splashes you. Waiting for diagnoses,
blood tests – the courage to continue moving forward in spite of not knowing
when or for how long the water will stay back. The Jews walking through this narrow
strip had no idea how long they would
walk before the water came down on them too! The courage it takes for every PET
scan, the tremendous bravery to continue going forward in spite of stories and
warnings and pain and fatigue.
And maybe someone sings a
song that makes you feel better for a little while, that assures you that you
are not alone. Maybe there is a Miriam who bangs steadily on a drum and gives
you the spiritual jumpstart to continue.
It is hope and courage that
led you through, that is leading you through now.
There were no pink ribbons in
ancient days. Just the company of the thousands of others walking together.
Nachshon was one man, he
walked with God, and he was joined by hundreds of thousands, they crossed
through terror, not knowing when …., if ….., how……, what would await them…..and
yet they sang. They sang their sacred song of courage.
THIS is the story to retell.
The one that inspires and is righteous and whose intent is of goodness and
bravery. This is so much better than Netflix.
You are here tonight, with
indescribable courage, joined together. For those of you walking tomorrow, know
that with every step you take, you are beating back another wave, our hearts
and our admiration are with you. You make a difference, you are leaders, you
are Nachshon, you are Miriam, and we love you.
All the world is a narrow
bridge crossing over the tides of water, and the main thing is to not be afraid
Gesher Tzar Meod.
