Bamidbar: A Journey of Love and Resilience
This week, we delve into a new book of the Torah, the Book of Bamidbar, also known in English as the Book of Numbers. I am reminded of the profound distinction between its Hebrew name and its English counterpart. In Hebrew, “Bamidbar” translates to “in the desert” or “in the wilderness,” which evokes a different imagery than “Numbers.” The English name stems from the census described at the book’s beginning, but for now, let us explore the deeper meaning of the desert, the wilderness, and what it signifies in our tradition.
The desert can be a place of vast emptiness, where the wind howls and the sand dunes stretch endlessly. Yet, it is also a place of profound majesty, a space for reflection and spiritual growth. My experiences hiking and meditating in the desert have shown me its serene beauty and the introspection it can inspire. However, it is important to recognize the challenges faced by those who live in the desert, such as the Bedouin communities who maintain their ancient ways of life.
Our ancestors’ journey through the desert was marked by both hardship and profound moments of divine connection. The Torah and the Prophets offer varied perspectives on this time. One poignant memory comes from the Prophet Jeremiah, whose words we sing on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, recalling the early love between God and Israel, likened to a honeymoon in an uncharted land (Jer. 2:2). Conversely, the Book of Psalms reflects on the Israelites’ rebellion and God’s frustration during the forty years of wandering (Ps. 95:10).
So, is the desert a place of wandering and rebellion, or of discovery and love? The answer is, of course, both. The desert is a place of uncharted territory, where each step redefines the journey. Just as the wind erases footprints, our path is continually reshaped by our experiences and reflections.
This brings us to a contemporary moment of significance. Yesterday, 100,000 people marched up Fifth Avenue for Israel Day, a testament to our resilience and unity. I had the honor of being on the UJA float, welcoming leaders and dignitaries, including Eden Golan, Israel’s remarkable representative at the Eurovision song competition this year. Her performance of “Hurricane” at Eurovision, amidst immense adversity, symbolized our collective strength and determination. Her performance back in Israel after the competition of the song in its original form, “October Rain,” (as it was before Eurovision censors deemed the pain of October 7 “too political”) was beyond riveting — it was profoundly holy, shaking hearts and the foundation of Heaven itself. Eden’s soul embodies the spirit of Am Israel, beautiful, poetic, and noble. As she sang in Europe, in Israel, and in New York City, her voice is a powerful beacon of Jewish pride and resilience, a moment etched in our history.
Reflecting on yesterday’s power, I am reminded that our journey, much like our ancestors in the desert, is filled with challenges and opportunities for profound love. The desert can indeed be a place of hardship, but it can also be a space of incredible beauty and joy, depending on how we choose to navigate it.
As we march forward, we carry the strength of our collective experiences. Today is day 241 since the beginning of our most recent struggles. Let us demand of Heaven and our leaders that today be the day we bring our family home. We must remain steadfast, demanding protection for our children and families, never slowing down or growing quiet.
Today, I moderated an interfaith panel with Muslim and Jewish families whose family members were brutalized and taken hostage by Hamas on October 7th. It served as an overwhelming and poignant reminder of shared humanity. Let us double down in our efforts, fueled by the unity and strength we experienced yesterday and today.
May our journey through this desert be marked by love, resilience, and the unyielding pursuit of peace. Let us cultivate this love, so that when we look back, we remember not just the hardship, but the profound connections we forged and the steps we took towards a brighter future.
May our families be whole soon.
#BringThemHomeNow