- Clergy
- Shabbat
When people ask me where I am from, I can never come up with a simple answer. I was born in Oakland, California, but there's a difference between where you're born and where you're from. Oakland wasn’t the only place I lived in my childhood. Where I'm from is pretty complicated.
I was born in Oakland, but I also lived in Tokyo, Japan, Buffalo, New York, and a variety of towns in Northern California up until I left for college. I’ve lived in over a dozen places, most of them before the age of 25. In fact, before finally settling down here in Los Angeles over a decade ago with my wife, and planting roots for our own family, I had been leaving places and settling in new ones for most of my life.
I often wonder, am I missing something as a result of moving so frequently, or is my adventurous upbringing the key piece to unlocking who I am today? Am I rabbi because at the core of my own story I feel a connection and find a companion in our forefather Abraham, who at the beginning of this week's Torah portion, Lech Lecha, is told by God to leave his country, his birthplace, and his home to go to a place that only God would reveal to him? What if you, too, like our ancestors before us and like Abraham, have been a wanderer much of your life? How do you figure out where you're from?
You don’t have to have moved around in your life to experience the power of this Torah portion’s message. Where you’re from and what you call ‘home’ is more than just a physical structure; it is a feeling, a state of mind, a sukkat shalom, a 'shelter of peace'. Some rabbinic commentators suggest that God's command to Abraham to ‘go forth’ is about his spiritual journey, not a physical one. In order to find God, Abraham first had to discover who he was and you can’t do that by staying in one place. Spiritual growth requires movement; it requires a willingness to break out of the confines of complacency and comfort and journey forth into uncharted territory. I may not be able to concisely answer the question “Where are you from?” but there is no doubt in my mind that my journeys and adventures have helped me unlock doors that have brought me closer to my purpose and closer to God.
There’s a small card that I carry in my wallet. I usually only take it out and read it when I get on an airplane, but I keep it with me at all times. It has our tradition’s ‘Traveler’s Prayer’ (Tefilah HaDerech) written in Hebrew and English. A prayer originally referenced in the Talmud, for generations, it has been recited by Jews as they embark on journeys. I believe each day is a journey worthy of spiritual exploration and protection. Each day is an opportunity to reflect on where we’re from and where we’re going. May the words of this prayer guide you on your journeys and may you be blessed.
Shabbat shalom,
Joel
Translation of the Traveler’s Prayer:
May it be Your will, Adonai, 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, Adonai, Who hears prayer.
If you want to carry a copy of the Traveler’s Prayer with you, here’s a link to a printable version from PJ Library