Last night we talked about the Names of G-d. In this week’s Torah portion we learn the ineffable, unpronounceable name of G-d. G-d spoke this name out of a burning bush, a bush that was burning and was not consumed. An ordinary place, an ordinary bush, but something was special, something was unique. Moses took off his shoes. He was standing on holy ground.

Last night we read the book, In G-d’s Name, by Rabbi Sandy Sasso where together with the beautiful illustrations, she explains that there are many names for G-d. She explores names like Source of Life, Creator of Light, Maker of Peace, Sheppard, Mother, Father, Rock, Friend, Comforter, Healer. All are names for G-d. There are lots of names for G-d.

Last night when I got home, I opened up our annual New Year’s puzzle to work on. It is fun way to spend time with out of town guests. It is relaxing and it allows us to take a breath. Shabbat is a breath. The pause that refreshes. So take a deep breath. Another one. Another one.

This week we start reading a new book of the Torah. We begin reading Sh’mot, Names, in English it is called Exodus because it tells how the Israelites were freed from Egyptian bondage.

These words from my colleague and dear friend, Rabbi Mike Rothbaum, really resonated with me this week:

“After Moses tells the Israelites about their shiny new God-name, the Torah tells us, Lo sham’u. The Israelites “didn’t listen.” They couldn’t listen. Moses teaches a Divine Name made up of vowels, of breathing sounds. But, according to the Torah, the Israelites are prevented from listening by kotzer ruach – “shortness of breath.” Or, another translation: “crushed spirit.” The word ruach can mean “breath.” Or “spirit.” A person who suffers distress or oppression is short of breath and short of spirit. She isn’t able to breathe. The Israelites can’t hear because they can’t breathe.

Later they are told to Listen. We know this one. Sh’ma Yisrael. Listen Israel, The Lord (That same YHVH that we learn about this week, the same name that Moses is given at the Burning Bush), Our G-d, the Lord is One. And only one. Unique. Even though G-d has many different names. Still the same One G-d.

The same G-d who promised the land of Israel to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob as part of the covenant. The same G-d who keeps that covenant even now.

So take that breath again. Today we are going to focus on breath. This Shabbat, this weekend is a breath. A pause to re-evaluate where we are and where we are going. A pause that may help us find meaning. Help us find balance.

In that quiet. In that space, that reset button, it may be possible to hear. What do you hear?

Is it possible to hear G-d calling? This is holy ground. Take off your shoes. Breathe in the Divine. Exhale. Breathe in again. Really feel it in your kishkes. Breathe again.

What is G-d calling? How do you answer?

Each of us has a name…earlier this week I read the Zelda poem. Each of us is given a name. By our parents, sometimes by our classmates, sometimes we are given a nickname. Sometimes we gain a new name when we marry, or when we achieve a new title. Sometimes we earn the name Mom or Dad. Or Gramps, Grandfather, Zayde. Sometimes we have a Hebrew name. Sometimes we have a name in another language.

Moses answered his calling with this simple word. Hineini. Here am I. How do we answer Hineini with our lives?

Our job is not to be Moses. That has already been done and the text is clear. There arose not a prophet like Moses. Only Moses was Moses.

The story is told of Reb Zusia on his death bed. He was crying and his disciples could nto figure out why. He said that question he would be asked in heaven was not ‘Why are you not Moses but why are you not Zusia.’

 

Each of us has a unique role, a unique calling. Finding our own authentic selves is why we are here. It is my belief that Judaism can help us find our own authentic selves and that is the puzzle that we are really trying to solve.

Another question that might be asked in heaven is “Have you seen My Alps?” G-d has created a beautiful, precious world with amazing things to appreciate. G-d does not want us to deny ourselves pleasure. We are not an ascetic people. But sometimes we get the balance out of whack.

Dr. Ron Wolfson in his book The Seven Questions You’re Asked in Heaven, identifies these questions:

• Were you honest?
• Did you leave a legacy?
• Did you set aside time to study?
• Did you have hope?
• Did you get your priorities straight? (that’s the balance question)
• Did you enjoy this world (that’s the Alps question)
• Were you the best you could be? (That’s the Zusia question)

So today, to celebrate New Year’s and this reset button, I am going to give you a Magan David. A Star of David, a shield, for you to create your own balance, for you to figure out your own unique call. This is not about making New Year’s Resolutions, or even goals.

What would you put in the center? G-d? Family? Health? The word Hineini?

Then you have six points to surround the outside with.

Here is a list of puzzle pieces prepared by Linda Sonin, our partner at the Chicago Bureau of Jewish Education. These are some of the core values of Judaism. She actually asks the question, “How will you piece together your most meaningful life?” Would you add something from this list? Is there something missing from the list?

Maybe you can’t pick just six. That’s OK. They are all valid.

If you think about the star, they are two interlocking triangles. I’ve played with this puzzle for years. Perhaps G-d goes in the center, with Torah or learning, Israel or community, Tikkun Olam in triangle and family, job, self in the other one. I’ve never been sure that I have the balance right.

Family is interesting because according the most recent Pew Study, most Americans derive the most amount of meaning from their families.

Job? But what job is right for you? Is it a career or vocation or just a way to pay the bills. I love this book, Being G-d’s Partner by Rabbi Jeffrey Salkin who also wrote putting G-d on the Guest List. He uncovers the hidden link between spirituality and work. I describe it as What Color is Your Parachute for Jews. And he begins with a story of watching the movers pack up his house—and the care and concern they took. It was spiritual. I loved Danielle Lindow’s line this week that she learned from her Zayde. “No job is beneath a Lindow.” I thought about that as I was putting down salt on the parking lot this morning. I won’t ask any of you to do jobs at the synagogue that I am not prepared to do myself.

So take this home and play with this puzzle. It is possible to do it over again. Nothing is carved in stone but it is useful tool as we approach this new year.

It is not a craft project per se, so take another deep breath. Breath in G-d. Breath out stress. Know that you are standing on holy ground, wrestling with the Divine and finding meaning. Happy New Year

The list:

• Appreciation of beauty
• Gratitude
• Love of learning
• Perspective
• Wisdom
• Curiosity
• Creativity
• Judgment
• Fairness
• Justice
• Leadership
• Teamwork
• Perseverance
• Bravery
• Courage
• Resilience
• Honesty
• Contentment
• Prudence
• Temperance
• Forgiveness
• Humility
• Kindness
• Social intelligence
• Humanity
• Love
• Humor
• Hope
• Spirituality
• Faithfulness