Last week, our MP Sarah Sackman KC, came to Shabbat service. She told me that, on Shabbat morning, it was hard to leave her family to come to a synagogue that was not her own. But she was so happy she’d come; she enjoyed our service so much. Anticipation and reality are often different.
It was a compliment indeed.
This week, we encounter Jacob still on the run, nervous and anxious about his brother.
Jacob was greatly frightened; in his anxiety, he divided the people with him, and the flocks and herds and camels, into two camps. (Genesis 32:8)
He is then utterly surprised by their reconciliation and by the warmth of Esau.
Esau ran to greet him. He embraced him and, falling on his neck, he kissed him; and they wept. (Genesis 33:4)
Being pleasantly surprised is one of the best things in life – and I love the idea of that happening here at FPS and of you being pleased you came. Please try us. Our newly restored building is worth a look and a visit.
We like to talk of FPS standing on three pillars: sacred (and magical, as Sarah Sackman encountered) moments of prayer and learning; gathering with and for each other; and our work for justice, all of which try to meet us in our busy lives, exactly where we are.
Shabbat shalom,
Rebecca
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