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Who heals the healer - Parshat B'Shallach

03/02/2023 09:16:57 AM

Feb3

Most readers of this week's Parsha focus on the Exodus from Egypt and the song of the sea. Just as significant is the aftermath when the nation of of Amalek attacks the Children from Israel from behind.

In that narrative, we learn that Moses cannot do it all by himself. Moses is not a superhero. As Joshua leads the people in battle, Moses ascends the mountaintop and prays with faith to God. When his hands are raised, the Israelites seem to win the battle. When his hands are lowered, the Israelites seem to lose the battle. 

Why would Moses' hands get weak and become lowered? because he is human after all like everyone else. While Moses the healer spent most of his time healing others, in this instance, who was going to heal the healer? or, put another way, at what point was Moses the healer going to be concerned about his own healing? Moses was not afraid to lean on others physically or spiritually. On the mountaintop, Aaron and Hur stood by Moses' side and kept his tired hands held high until victory was assured. Aaron and Hur symbolized that the healer needs healers as well.

As most of you know, I had surgery a week ago. The surgery itself was successful. Since then, my body (with a mind of its own) has been recuperating slowly but surely. I am grateful to all of you who have written texts, emails, facebook entries, and who have called. Your individual and collective refuah shlemah wishes are all examples of each and everyone of us rising to the occasion to be a healer when called upon. 

I cannot thank you enough. I wish us all Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Howard Morrison

Thu, 28 March 2024 18 Adar II 5784