D'var Torah

In this week’s parasha, we see a grim and grisly reality unfold as the final three plagues come upon Egypt:  Swarms of locusts destroying all of the growth in the land of Egypt, including crops and trees, “darkness that may be felt,” and the death of the first born. (Exodus, Chapters 10-13) Yes, our people were freed by these plagues, but being present as they wrought their destructive paths also wounded our collective memory forever. How does one go on after witnessing such devastation?  At this week’s Inauguration, the amazing young poet Amanda Gorman spoke to this question.  With strong echoes of emerging from the biblical plague of darkness, Gorman wrote: “Where can we find light in this never-ending shade?... When day comes, we step out of the shade aflame and unafraid. … For there is always light.  If only we’re brave enough to see it.  If only we’re brave enough to be it.”  I will elaborate on this theme in my sermon this Friday night.