I think it's safe to say that a lot of people struggle with the notion of God, and if/how that God plays a role in their lives. I would even
venture to say that many of you, reading this blog post right now, would include yourselves in that category. Is there a God? How do we know? And does God care about us, interact with us, bless us? Or perhaps curse us? We know so little, and are left feeling incredibly far from any relationship with a Divine Presence. But let's talk about this for a minute. Can we quiet down all the "noise" conveyed by others on this topic; all the "should's" and the "truths" peddled by talking heads on TV? Let's even remove the personal, named, famed Deity from this conversation as well. What, then, is left?
Actually, quite a lot. Surprisingly. This topic is often dominated by questions about who or what is God. But honestly, if you instead boil it down to human emotions guiding these questions, what we're really asking is, "How can I feel
more safe?" "How can I feel less alone, and more like my life has meaning, purpose, love, compassion, and relationship?" For some people, "God" is enough of an answer, and for others "God" is at least part of the solution. But for a lot of people, God is NOT helpful. But you're still looking for answers to those questions, aren't you? You still want to feel safe and loved, cared for and in relationship with others?
Our Torah portion this week is Naso, and it includes a very famous blessing known as the Priestly Benediction (Numbers 6:24-26). The ancient High Priest, Aaron, blesses the entire Israelite nation with a three-fold blessing that focuses on God's Face blessing you, shining upon you, and granting you peace. That very same blessing - now
4,000 years old (or so) - is used throughout Jewish tradition, even today. So yeah, it's a big deal. And yet, the language uses a lot of God-talk, and also anthropomorphizes God (describes in human characteristics) in a way that alienates a fair amount of people. I'll remind you again; let's put aside the theological debate. Cover your ears from the droning of religious fundamentalist. What are YOU looking for? And can those desires/hopes/wishes be expressed as blessings? Because the language of blessing can be really powerful, even without using God-language. We can express gratitude for all life's gifts, even if our thanksgiving isn't directional. We are all, every one of us, still obligated to express thanks and humility for our blessings - and not take anything for granted or feel entitled - regardless of whether you are religious.
I don't believe the power of the Priestly Benediction lies in using the Name of Adonai. Lots of blessings invoke a Higher Power. The Priestly Benediction is still used, millenia later, because each generation of Jews used it to praise the next; communities offered it to welcome new babies; parents employed it to bless and protect their children; rabbis spoke it to sanctify marriages, etc., etc.
Blessings can be very powerful. And if God helps you feel that blessing even more palpably, great! However, if you don't, and invoking God leaves you feeling nothing (at best) or angry (at worst) then by all means take God out of the picture. Just know that it doesn't absolve you of feeling grateful for what you have in life, or release you from the obligation to help others and generally make the world a better place. We should all LIVE the Priestly Benediction; blessing one another and BEING a blessing in the lives of those around us. It's a 4,000-year old chain. Why break it now?
Photos in this blogpost:1. CC image courtesy of A. Potter on Pinterest2. CC image courtesy of Gran on Wikimedia Commons3. CC image courtesy of Patrick Lentz on Wikimedia Commons4. Image from my nephew, Simon's bris.
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