Moving Day & Enlistment Day

Let’s just say Wednesday was busy.

 

Lots of boxes and Meira’s legs in uniform

On the Upper East Side of Manhattan, we (actually movers) moved out of our apartment of 14 years.  After 17 years in New York City, we’re en route to Atlantic Beach.

 

Across the Atlantic, our oldest, Meira, enlisted in the IDF. 

 

Both events are full of anxiety, pride, and excitement tinged with sadness. Saying farewell to a familiar place and a community we love.  Recognizing that our child is all grown up and now a solider defending the Jewish Homeland. 

 

This is an appropriate week for journey and facing unknown, new realities.  I think I can say that I have a taste of what Yaakov felt as he leads the Children of Israel to Egypt.

 

Yaakov also had to pack all his possessions.  He had wagons and not trucks, but I imagine there was similar chaos and emotion involved in the move.  That’s why God reassured Yaakov (Bereishit 46:3-4):

 

וַיֹּאמֶר אָנֹכִי הָאֵ-ל אֱ-לֹהֵי אָבִיךָ אַל־תִּירָא מֵרְדָה מִצְרַיְמָה כִּי־לְגוֹי גָּדוֹל אֲשִׂימְךָ שָׁם׃ אָנֹכִי אֵרֵד עִמְּךָ מִצְרַיְמָה וְאָנֹכִי אַעַלְךָ גַם־עָלֹה...

 

And God said, “I am God, the God of your father. Fear not to go down to Egypt, for I will make you there into a great nation. I Myself will go down with you to Egypt, and I Myself will bring you back…”

 

A family move or a personal milestone does not compare with the national journey of the Jewish people.  At the same time, I am bolstered by the idea that God is along for the ride.  Our momentous experiences are important to us.  They are also sacred.  Wherever we go and whatever we do, God’s message to Yaakov can steady our nerves as we encounter change and a new reality.

 

Al tirah – Don’t fear!  It is hard not to be afraid at all, but it helps to know that we all undertake new journeys in the footsteps of all those who came before us.