Shabbat Gathering: Traveler's prayer.

Gud Shabbos Khaveyrim, as is our custom, we will gather tonight at 5.45p ct to welcome Shabbat. These are the coordinates:

Zoom
Meeting ID: 883 8469 4181
Password: 822665
Phone: +1 312 626 6799

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Here we go.

It seems like the right time of year to think about the traveler's prayer, the prayer many Jews repeat when embarking on, and during, a journey away from home.
Times have certainly changed since the prayer was first written down. Back then, all manner of criminals might be laying in wait. That’s not to say that the reasons for the prayer are antique. Rather, the prayer is still an apt response to embarking on any journey that steals us away from home.

May it be Your will, Lord, our God and the God of our ancestors, that You lead us toward peace, guide our footsteps toward peace, and make us reach our desired destination for life, gladness, and peace. May You rescue us from the hand of every foe, ambush along the way, and from all manner of punishments that assemble to come to earth. May You send blessing in our handiwork, and grant us grace, kindness, and mercy in Your eyes and in the eyes of all who see us. May You hear the sound of our humble request because You are God Who hears prayer requests. Blessed are You, Lord, Who hears prayer.

— BT Berakhot 29b.

In an essay on My Jewish Learning, Rabbi Shefa Gold explains that the story of the Jewish people is that of a people on a move. Abraham heeds Hashem’s words to go forth from his land and his people. Since then, we’ve been a people on the move. Gold writes…

Traveling is a reminder that all of life is an extraordinary adventure. Traveling awakens curiosity and wonder and brings those qualities to every step of life. Being awake in this way is a paradox. With each step, we arrive in the Promised Land and all there is to do is celebrate. Yet we are also always forever on our way there, stumbling, dancing, opening to all it means to be human, remembering that it is the journey that matters.

And may it be for all of us a blessing.

See you tonight!
Mit vareme grusn,
(With warm regards,)

All my love,
brian.

PS

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