Which Way Do We Go?

My best friend growing up lived less than 2 miles away. Whenever I would go to see her, I'd have to take written directions to get there-and have written directions to get home. I have a terrible sense of direction. In fact, when I first got my drivers license-remember this is the time before cell phones-my Mother was sure I'd never find my way home again.

A great day in my life occurred when I discovered Mapblast and Mapquest on the internet. Finally, I could get directions to and from-and not have to bother anyone-and not get made fun of! It gave me a wonderful sense of independence.

Whether or not I have a sense of direction, the fact remains the same: I still get to my destination-eventually. I may take the longest route possible, but I'll get there. (jump)The same is true of the Israelites. When they left Egypt, they didn't have a sense of direction-because they didn't even know they where they were going! Radically, their surroundings changed; their whole way of life changed.

For the Israelites, the desert offered freedom for the first time, and the opportunity to discover themselves as a people. There in the heat of the desert, the open space and lack of clutter - they were able to get a clean start. Significantly, they also were able to find faith in God. Their slavery in Egypt had left them bereft of faith; their freedom allowed them to discover it again.

The Israelites will wander for forty years. Forty years is a very long time. The wandering, the commentators agree was to allow the next generation to come to maturity. The progeny that entered our promised land were those that knew and embraced freedom.

While the Israelites are an extreme example; we all know that changing our physical space enables us to see the world in a different way. For example, walking outside to see a gorgeous sunset can bring a sense of peace, and connect us to the miracle of nature. Our childhood bedroom reveals memories, and evokes specific feelings from childhood, which could be found nowhere else. It's not unusual, I don't think, that teenagers often like to rearrange their rooms-as they figure out what their likes and dislikes are, and who they are, what better place to do it than in their own space? We also change our space to create feelings, aura, or ambience. At a beautiful, romantic dinner, only candlelight will do. At a basketball game-- the brighter the better! And could we imagine having floodlights while we prayed here this evening?

Our space helps give our thoughts clarity. Jump The same as true for our building. We haven't wandered for 40 years-just one and one-half , but we have been without the bulk of our spiritual and physical home.

We are about to enter this home again. Years in the planning and many, many months in the making, our building is ready to begin to reveal itself to us. Next week, we will be back. The waiting will be over. Our journey home will be complete. As the Israelites were able to enter Israel, they knew their journey was fraught with difficulties, but ultimately worth it-so too, is our journey.

As with all change, it will be exciting, difficult, and emotional. For all its beauty --and it is awesome-let me tell you -- it is not complete. Construction will continue to make the building perfect.

Our spirits, our energy have yet to make this building home. This building is a canvas, waiting for our imprint. We can benefit spiritually and physically-we will appreciate our space and be buoyed by the possibilities: to grow in Jewish knowledge, in spirit. . to once again explore our community. As we get used to and explore this new space, I know I'll hear: “which way do I go”? . . By Monday, the temporary offices will be empty. Our computer systems will be coming back online. Of course, with any move, we know it can't happen over night. But as the Israelites had 40 years to define themselves-we pray that we will have many more than that in which to grow, explore, and be inspired by our space.

We may get lost-and not be able to find the library at first-but in doing so we may discover a special corner, a special piece of art work, a special niche, that will inspire and help us to see ourselves, and the world, in a different light. As we grow and explore and engage in this Jewish center, this Bet-El--house of God, we will indeed create holy space, and find our home.

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