In this weeks parasha, Parashat Shlach Lecha, we read of the 12 spies who were sent to scout out the Promised Land before going in. As we know, 10 spies brought back a report filled with fear of failure, and two brought back optimism and confidence. One of the spies was named Palti ben Rafu—Palti son of healing. Palti was one of the spies who brought back a fear-filled report. Being the son of a healer, he perhaps might have learned how to heal from his past of Egyptian slavery but the trauma was too great. Persistent, long lasting trauma can extinguish hope.
In the past month we have seen that the trauma of slavery can continue for over 400 years in a society. Today, America has woken up, both literally and figuratively, to Juneteenth, the day that the slaves in Texas were finally freed on June 19th, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
Being from Texas, I grew up with Juneteenth. But even so, as a child, I did not understand its significance or impact on a whole swath of fellow citizens.
This week, I explored the number 19 in Hebrew gematria. I found some powerful connections. Three words, Betach (Bet, Tet, Het), Achi (Aleph, Het, Yod), and Havah (Het, Vav, Hey) all equal the number 19.
Havah means Breath and has become central to our world at the moment. The ability to breathe is of course necessary for survival. The coronavirus has caused the death of hundreds of thousands around the world because it has stopped our lungs from drawing breath.
George Floyd's death and cries of I can't breathe, remind us of racism as a social virus that also robs black and brown people of their lives. Methods used by police to prevent suspects from drawing breath are being re-examined again today.
The cries of 'I can’t breathe’ have given life to a second civil rights movement.
Havah is also the Hebrew name of Eve, the mother of us all, regardless of skin colour.
The number 19 is embedded in the word Achi—my brother, my sibling. This second civil rights movement is reminding us in powerful ways that each human being is our sibling. Each of us are descended from Havah/Eve, and from The One Who Gave Us Breath. Judaism is very clear—we have responsibility for each other, regardless of race, creed, religion or sexuality. We all draw breath from the same divine Source of All Breath.
Finally, Betach also is made up of 19. Betach means security or confidence. We each have a role to play in ensuring that everyone in our family (our human family) feels safe and secure and able to live up to their potential as human beings.
This Shabbat we have the opportunity to be lead in prayer by three voices, three people who use their breath to help our souls rise. The first is a Kabbalat Shabbat service held by Global B’Chol Lashon, an organization of support for Jews of colour. This service is commemorating Juneteenth today, at 5:00 pm. Jews around the world are invited. I will be there, and I hope you will join me. The service will be led by two rabbis, Rabbi Sandra Lawson and Rabbi Isaama Goldenstein-Stoll.
The third beautiful voice we will celebrate tonight is that of Cantor Elana Rozenfeld, who we are honouring tonight. Cantor Rozenfeld and her family are planning to make aliyah this summer and we want to wish her well. Please join us at 6:00 pm for our From Our Home Yours Mobile Mishkan Kabbalat Shabbat service and give her your blessing.
May our Shabbat be filled with deep breathing, hope and life
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Marcia Plumb