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Coming off of our Holy Days, having been launched into a New Year with a clean slate, how perfect it is that we also begin again the reading of Torah. This annual cycle of reading from creation to redemption to revelation through the five books mirrors how we, too, move through life.

We are creators. Genesis reminds us that we are our life’s designers. Every time we speak or send a text or an email, every time we choose to do something or not do something, we are creating our destiny.

We are redeemers. Exodus reminds us that it is always within our power to free ourselves from negative thinking or unhealthy habits.

We are citizens of the world. Leviticus reminds us how important rules and systems are for creating a just and compassionate society, and how we help create that society by being kind, thoughtful and loving humans.

We are wanderers. The book of Numbers acknowledges that we all wander through mysterious and challenging territory in our lives. When we confront the unknown we learn so much about who we are and what we’re made of. The deserts of our lives teach us courage and fortitude.

We are recorders. The book of Deuteronomy reminds us that we carry with us the stories of ourselves, our families and our people. These stories remind us of both our strengths and our shortcomings and inform how we can improve the way in which we live and relate to others.

May the Torah we write this year as we move from book to book be our most inspirational story yet, and may we go from strength to strength as we make this familiar but new journey together.

Shabbat shalom and Chag Sameach,

Beth