Yearning For Peace
In these challenging times, we find ourselves confronted with a difficult reality: the necessity of war and fighting. It's a concept that many of us struggle with, especially when our natural inclination is towards peace and kindness. Yet, as we navigate through our personal battles and witness the conflicts in places like Israel, we are compelled to grapple with this harsh truth.
This week's Torah portion addresses the laws of war, providing guidance on how to conduct ourselves in times of conflict. It's a stark reminder that even in our spiritual texts, the reality of fighting is addressed. We are taught about going out to war and the rules surrounding it, emphasizing its significance in our history and potentially in our present.
Rav Yitzhak Cohen Kook, z"l, offered profound insights on this matter. As the first Chief Rabbi of Israel and a revolutionary thinker, he understood the inherent nature of our people. He taught that our essence is rooted in chesed - kindness & giving. Ideally, we would exist in a world where we could constantly express this nature, caring for others and living in harmony.
However, the world we inhabit often challenges this ideal. We find ourselves in situations where conflict is thrust upon us, where we must fight even when it goes against our deepest desires for peace. It's a perplexing situation - how do we reconcile our nature of kindness with the necessity to engage in conflict?
We could draw an analogy to a challenging hike. When we're midway up a difficult mountain, we might question how we got there and why we're continuing. But we realize there's no turning back - we must press forward to reach the peak. Similarly, in life's conflicts, we often find ourselves in the middle of a fight we didn't choose, yet we must see it through.
This struggle teaches us an important lesson. While we may not want to fight, we need to know what we're willing to fight for and how to do so effectively. Yasher Koach, have a blessed week!
#shavuatov
Lech-Lecha לך-לך facilitates empowering outdoor adventures and communal journeys for Jews in their 20s & 30s that catalyze personal development and spiritual growth, connection with the wonder of Hashem’s creation, meaningful interpersonal relationships, and joyful community deeply rooted in Torah and a holistic approach to Jewish life and practice.
It’s a great way to get out of the city and refresh your soul.
Many of our trekkers return to the trail year after year, and join us for retreats in the Fall and winter. Every encounter is something new.
All our treks and retreats are co-created with the trek participants. We believe that each Jewish soul has something to learn, and something to contribute. And when we bring all of our gifts together, something beautiful can arise.
Lech-Lecha treks are all-inclusive (gear, menu, food, and planning) except a few items we rent (backpacks, sleeping pads, and sleeping bags), and transportation to and from the trailhead (although we DO coordinate ridesharing).
Observance: What does Pluralism Look Like in Practice?
We believe that every Jewish person can have and would benefit from having a deep connection to our tradition and our people. We believe that every Jewish person can live and would benefit from living an empowered and engaged Jewish journey of curiosity, discovery, learning, and practice. We seek to foster this connection and enliven this journey with love and openness.
Lech-Lecha also values creating a space that invites and respects traditional observance of Torah and Mitzvot. In addition to seeking to meet the needs of traditionally observant participants, we believe that there is a power and wonder to experiencing traditional Jewish observance especially as it comes to life in the wilderness, uniquely facilitating communal and spiritual connection.
Therefore, no matter who the participants are, all communal contexts of Lech-Lecha experiences formally observe Shabbat and Kashrut, offer time for traditional prayer, and cater programming to fall within halachic bounds, and individuals are invited - but never forced - to lean into the communal aspects of our trek.
The journey is the destination. In other words, we don't pressure for any particular outcome or enforce any personal practice – the Lech-Lecha experience aims to inspire, empower, & deepen each participant's own unique – and joyful! – Jewish journey. This is a big part of what Journey-Powered Judaism means. We hope to meet you on the trail!
Food: What’s it like?
A Sample Menu:
Breakfast: Oats, cereal, eggs (occasionally), powdered milk, nuts or dried fruit.
Lunches: Wraps, tuna, cheese, veggies, PB & J, and Nutella.
Dinners: Mac & cheese. A special smoked meat treat is served on Shabbat as well.
All food is fully kosher based on CRC standards.
We are happy to make accommodations necessary for other allergies and eating habits.
Walk with us! Learn more at www.explorelechlecha.org
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