Parashat B’haalot’cha Numbers 8:1-12:16
Dear Friends,
The question has been asked, “What happens when everything you always wanted is not enough?” The answer is nothing good, in and of itself. In this week’s parashah, the Children of Israel are being cared for by God. They are being guided by God’s Presence. They are being fed Manna from heaven. And what do they want? Meat.
Be careful what you wish for. They get quail. So many, and with such desire, that many people get sick and die. Sometimes what we think we want is just not right for us. One lesson from the Torah this week is just wanting something because we are not happy, is not the best motivator. What we should want are two things.
First, we should be sure that what we want is a blessing, not just something to fulfill a selfish desire. Second, we should direct our wants to those things that we can share with others so that the world becomes a better place.
Can we offer friendship that is more than just transactional to those around us? Can we find the generosity of spirit that leads us to find joy in the success of others? Can we find the time and energy to help others that are in need? Can we root our sense of satisfaction in knowing that we are creating a community that stands for these values?
If we strive for these things, then Shabbat will truly be a time of Shalom.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Marv
rabbischwab@bethelsp.org