Shabbat Vayishlach 2024

Rabbi Klein shared that “sometimes changing our reality can mean going somewhere we’ve never been. Maybe it can mean leaving our phone at home, but maybe it can also be when we find ourselves in a situation that we didn’t even plan for, something that we’re anxious about being with someone we’re afraid of, instead of running away from it, we stay in it, and we allow ourselves to feel what we feel, and we recognize that when we do that, we might learn something new. We might have a different kind of experience by shifting our reality a little bit. We might not have all the answers, but if we make room for it. We also might find glimpses of of the face of God. I think we can all use some glimpses of the face of God right about now. So I hope we can all find some of those.” 

Rabbi Klein spoke about the biblical story of Jacob’s reunion with his brother Esau, emphasizing Jacob’s transformation from fear to recognizing holiness in Esau. Rabbi Klein suggested that changing one’s reality, whether by losing a phone or embracing new experiences, can lead to profound personal growth and insights, akin to glimpsing the divine.

Rabbi Jason Klein delivered this drashah at Kabbalat Shabbat services on Friday, December 13, 2024 / 14 Kislev 5785. 

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