the gates of tears are always open

Dear Kol Tzedek Community,

Why do we cry?
When do we cry?
Why is it sometimes so hard to cry, and sometimes so hard to stop crying?

Jewish tradition teaches that even when prayer is impossible, the Gates of Tears are always open. This is often cited on Yom Kippur, when the heart pours out and words escape us. But it is true all year long. Not just for us, but for our mythic ancestors and biblical characters. 

This week's Torah portion Vayigash finds us in the middle of what some call the Joseph Novella. Joseph is the character, only second to Moses, who gets the most air time in all of Torah. His story becomes a microcosm for the ups and downs (both spiritually and literally) of one's life experiences. And it is full of tears. Seven times Joseph cries. A mentor in rabbinical school taught me that tears are prayers. If that is so, what are Joseph's tears coming to teach us? 

Tomorrow morning at Torah study we will explore Joseph's Tears, and the role of crying in our ancient texts, and ultimately in our own life.


Join us tomorrow, Saturday 1/7:
Torah Study at 10 am (Calvary basement classroom)
Family Service with Jessi at 10:30 (Chapel)
Community Meeting at 5 pm (with childcare and pizza!)


Shabbat Shalom to all!
May we all have a chance to truly exhale and feel refreshed.

Rabbi Ari Lev