This shabbat along with Parashat Tetzaveh, we also read a special maftir and haftarah for shabbat Zachor, the shabbat before Purim. This is a special time set aside for us to zachor, to remember, not only the actions of Esther but also those of Haman, the descendent of Amalek, the archetype of evil in our tradition. In the Purim story, when Esther was preparing to approach the king and confront him with Haman’s destructive plan, she calls on the community to join her in a fast. In that moment, everyone came together to stave off tragedy and give Esther the strength to fight. As we know, the conclusion of the story is Esther saving her people and the end to the evil which sought our destruction.
This story is about so many things but one of the strongest themes, is the power of community; the way that when we stand together we can achieve so much more than we can when we are alone. When we each bring our unique qualities to enrich the whole, we shape something sacred and holy. Last Shabbat, we read about the community all bringing gifts to build a mishkan, a sacred space for God to dwell. This week we take a peek inside and see what is created, what are the blessings inside the tabernacle, without which, there is but an empty shell.
The first commandment in the portion is to light a lamp above the alter which will burn continually. There is a teaching which says there are two kinds of light in the Torah, one which is to be used for activities and events which require us to see in the darkness, and the other a light which serves a holy and sacred purpose. The ner tamid, the eternal flame of this week’s portion is the second kind of light, the light which is cast to inspire, to illuminate, to help to change the world.
Since Chanukah and December 14th we have been called upon to be the holy and sacred light of the ner tamid: eternally burning, glowing and shining into the world, beacons of sanctity, safe harbours in the storm, a light which brings comfort, blessings, warmth and love. A light which enfolds us in its safety and brings comfort and blessings.
This shabbat, as we celebrate Mardi Gras and our LGBTQI+ members, we celebrate the rainbow light that they shine into our community, each colour bringing its unique glow, each person joining their lights with ours to create something truly sacred and holy. The light that our queer community bring to our sanctuary illumines the best of who we are, helps us to shape a place of diversity, harmony and love. And this year, more than ever, we stand together, shoulder to shoulder, proud Jews in the world. In a time of darkness and fear, we are each called upon to be the light, eternally shining, we will be marching in the parade, continuing 25 years of claiming our place and celebrating not only the LGBTQI+ community but the Jewish Queer community: two identities woven together to create beauty, like the tapestries in the mishkan.
And each of us weaves our light and strands together into the tapestry of Jewish community. Each one an important and essential colour, all needed to create the sacred whole.
This Shabbat Zachor as we remember the bravery of Esther, our Queer Jewish community and each one of us as we walk proudly in the world as Jews, shining our light and creating a brighter, more beautiful world, we give thanks for every strand of our tapestry and every soul who walks with us.
Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Jacqueline Ninio