Who is the God We Choose?
Words of Wisdom with Rabbi Efrat Zarren-Zohar
This Dvar Torah was edited from one by Rabbi Arielle Stein, Assistant Rabbi at Congregation Rodeph Sholom in Manhattan and a visual artist.
Photo by Marc-Olivier Jodoin on Unsplash
The Jewish people are often referred to as "the chosen people," but Parashat Ki Tavo flips this concept around. Here, the Israelites are described as "choosing God." But what does that look like for us today, especially when we have so many different ideas about what God means to each of us?
What does it mean to choose God?
As Jews, we so frequently hear the phrase, "the chosen people."
Parashat Ki Tavo offers a different approach.
Deuteronomy 26:17 describes the Israelites ‘affirming God’: “You have affirmed this day that the Lord is your God…”
Essentially, this is describing us as choosing God.
But what is this God that we're choosing?
"God" means many different things to different Jews.
Some of us are fervent, deep believers; some of us believe in an imminent God, one whose presence is felt in this world; others believe in a transcendent God, a God that exists, but whose presence is not felt directly.
Others experience God in nature, in their work, in creativity, and in community with other people.
Still other Jews aren't too sure about God, and many Jews don't believe in God at all.
To me, this verse asks us -- whether or not we're believers -- to find ways to bring the sacred into this world.
It can function as an instruction to pursue justice, to embrace peoplehood, to find ways to serve a purpose that's higher than just ourselves.
Similar to Jewish beliefs about God, there are many different ways we can do this: we might take a moment to listen deeply; we might bless; set intention; be out in nature; stop to help a neighbor; or notice someone in need, and help right then and there.
It might even be as simple as adding a few kind words to an email or refraining from responding immediately in anger. There are so many options.
As we travel through Elul, preparing for the Yamim Noraim (the High Holy Days), how do you choose God?
