Ivri, is one of the names used to describe the Israelite community in Torah. It means “Hebrew.” It also refers to ‘crossing over,’ journeying. They do that a lot but they are tiring now. The tribes of Reuben and Gad see that the land on this side of the Jordan is good for grazing cattle and ask if they can settle here, saying, al ta’avirenu, “Do not make us cross over!” (Numbers 32:5). They are tired of conquest. This last double portion of Numbers includes a great deal of journeying from A to B to C and onwards. Indeed, it’s so dry that even the prolific Rashi doesn’t comment!
For me these quieter narratives offer an opportunity to read between the lines. Moving requires an energy that is not always in great supply.
We are in a moment right now, where the Jewish community is watching and waiting for movement. Both here in the diaspora and in Israel, things are as distressing as I recall them being. Helping us talk, move positions, empathise with one another is all phenomenally difficult. The British institutions that hold us are critical for this. Progressive Judaism, newly formed, and of course, the Board of Deputies, established in 1765 by a group of Sephardi Jews, is the oldest Jewish institution we have. There has been much dissent and conversation there and this Friday night we will welcome its president, Phil Rosenberg, to our Shabbat service, where he will speak and be in conversation with us all as we navigate our ways forward as Ivri.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rebecca
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