On our way to the Grand Canyon, we spent a day in Sedona, hiking the magnificent red rocks. As we traversed the Bell Rock path, only a quarter up the mountain, we noticed that there were no more trail signs to follow. We waited for other hikers to show us the way. After a few short minutes, a group gathered, no one with the ability to be the leader. Our children were looking forward to reaching the top, but their hopes were dashed. My son looked at me and said quietly, “Everyone is lost!”
The Torah tells us Reeh, “See what has been placed before you, blessing and curse.”
Seforno teaches that we must pay good attention as to what is before us, not simply trying to find a middle ground. Search out the blessing in full, for the blessing will provide us with more than we need. It is our choice.
Hiking is not my forte. Without a trail, I am completely lost. As we walked down the mountain, frustration set in that we did not meet the goal we set out to accomplish. We did not reach the top of the mountain. Our fellow hikers commiserated with us.
How often are we lost, with no trail to follow? We think we are alone, but when we look behind, there are others looking to follow.
As the French Philosopher Albert Camus said, “Don’t walk in front of me, I may not follow. Don’t walk behind me, I may not lead. Walk beside me and be my friend.” These words have been adapted to our tradition, as we add the words, “And together, we will walk in the path of God.”
Yes, we may be lost, but we can find God’s blessings together.
