Dear Friends,
“Surely God is in this place, and I, I did not know it!” (Gen. 28:16)
Such was Jacob’s proclamation upon waking from his famous dream of a ladder from the earth to the heavens, with messengers of God going up and down, and God revealing to Jacob that the land will be his inheritance, and that his descendants will fill the earth with blessing.
Yes, God was in that place, and Jacob did not know it initially, but certainly came to know it via that dream.
Perhaps the same is true for us. There is much about which we are not aware – our capacity or limitations, feelings and relationships, the presence of the sacred – about which we learn in our lifetimes when telling moments unfold. It is the nature of living and experience.
Yet, a key teaching from the Jacob episode is in his announcement. He asserted that although God had been present, he – Jacob – did not know it. Thus, even though Jacob had been unknowing or even oblivious, that did not invalidate the truth of God’s presence. It only meant that Jacob had been unknowing. However, upon becoming aware, Jacob proclaimed it, and he was forever changed, as was that sacred place.
Recognizing and affirming new realities are vital to our growth and advancement, as individuals and communities. School teachers know it is important to commence and complete lessons with review and restating the learning achieved. Therapists repeat back to their patients their expressions in active listening, to help concretize the understanding. Worship services include repetitions or set structures to reinforce truisms. Even Governor Cuomo had to give daily briefings for months on end, to convey the new reality of COVID, and to effectuate change of social behavior.
Yes – experiencing a new understanding, and then affirming it, are instrumental in our evolving as beings. Jacob demonstrated it. Looking into our own lives, it’s likely we can see it, too. Only, like Jacob, we may not have known it, too!
Shabbat Shalom, and blessings for a Happy Thanksgiving,
Rabbi Douglas Kohn
“Surely God is in this place, and I, I did not know it!” (Gen. 28:16)
Such was Jacob’s proclamation upon waking from his famous dream of a ladder from the earth to the heavens, with messengers of God going up and down, and God revealing to Jacob that the land will be his inheritance, and that his descendants will fill the earth with blessing.
Yes, God was in that place, and Jacob did not know it initially, but certainly came to know it via that dream.
Perhaps the same is true for us. There is much about which we are not aware – our capacity or limitations, feelings and relationships, the presence of the sacred – about which we learn in our lifetimes when telling moments unfold. It is the nature of living and experience.
Yet, a key teaching from the Jacob episode is in his announcement. He asserted that although God had been present, he – Jacob – did not know it. Thus, even though Jacob had been unknowing or even oblivious, that did not invalidate the truth of God’s presence. It only meant that Jacob had been unknowing. However, upon becoming aware, Jacob proclaimed it, and he was forever changed, as was that sacred place.
Recognizing and affirming new realities are vital to our growth and advancement, as individuals and communities. School teachers know it is important to commence and complete lessons with review and restating the learning achieved. Therapists repeat back to their patients their expressions in active listening, to help concretize the understanding. Worship services include repetitions or set structures to reinforce truisms. Even Governor Cuomo had to give daily briefings for months on end, to convey the new reality of COVID, and to effectuate change of social behavior.
Yes – experiencing a new understanding, and then affirming it, are instrumental in our evolving as beings. Jacob demonstrated it. Looking into our own lives, it’s likely we can see it, too. Only, like Jacob, we may not have known it, too!
Shabbat Shalom, and blessings for a Happy Thanksgiving,
Rabbi Douglas Kohn