The steps that go up to our sanctuary Bimah can be difficult for some among us. Raising our legs over threshold of each step, keeping our balance, may feel daunting to those of us with physical ailments. But, that is not the purpose of the design. It is meant to be inclusive, even inviting. Our Bimah is a space where everyone should feel at home.
This is in direct contrast to what we are supposed to feel at this time in the Jewish calendar. We are at the foot of Mount Sinai where we have been since the second day of Passover some forty plus days ago. And, Mount Sinai is anything but inviting.
God’s cloud hovers over it, lighting and thunder crash in the distance, and we are warned at pain of death to stay away. Mount Sinai was a place where only Moses was allowed. The rabbis, in democratizing Judaism, brought the mountain down to the people. They knew that in order for Judaism to survive, we could no longer have significant impediments to holiness.
The by-laws of any synagogue our intentionally sparse, providing just enough space for each generation of leadership to make their own mark on the institution. But, all by-laws require a once-a-year congregational meeting.
This is our way of saying each of you matter. It is never just “my Jewish community.” Instead it is “our Jewish community.” That is why I am particularly happy to have the congregational meeting, Shavuot, and the arrival of our new Bimah furniture, coincide in the very same week.
On Tuesday we see the business of the community in action. On Friday night, you will see the gorgeous hues of our new Bimah furniture, all engraved with the fire of Mount Sinai. And, on Saturday night we will officially receive the Torah. It is these type of experiences that raise all of us up in holiness.
Shabbat Shalom and Chag Shavuot Sameah,
Rabbi Alex