|
THE SHIRLEY AND JACOB
FUCHSBERG JERUSALEM CENTER of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism |
|
HOME
|
| |
CONTACT US
|
| | PICTURE GALLERY | | | PROJECT ODED CLASSES | | | OVERSEAS STUDENTS IN ISRAEL | | | E NEWS: YEAR IN REVIEW 2010 | | | AUDIO CLIPS | | | VISITORS | | | KOL HAOT PROG FOR SYN MISSIONS | | |
 |
Parshat Haye Sarah
These inevitable life changes left David incredibly vulnerable and frightened. In the following midrash, David seeks God assurance: David said before the Holy One Blessed be He: '"Don't cast me out in my old age' (Psalms 71:1) When I was young, I went to out to war, willingly risking my life for Your children, but now that I am old, I no longer have any strength. People say about me: How much longer will that old man live? As it says: 'My enemies speak evilly of me: When will he die and his name perish?' (Psalms 41:6) Please, 'even in hoary old age, do not forsake me, God' (Psalms 71:18)" The Holy One Blessed Be He responded to him: "'Until you grow old, I remain the same; when you turn grey, it is I [God] who will carry [you]' (Isaiah 46:4)" (Agadat Bereishit 35:1 Buber ed. p. 71) This anecdotal midrash uses David to capture the anxiety bottled up in each of us at the very thought of the vulnerability of old age. If these life changes can happen to someone as powerful as David; if old age causes him apprehension, what about us lesser mortals? What will be of us? Who will ensure that we feel secure when we are in need? We also seek reassurance and want to know that we will not be left abandoned. This midrash makes it clear that God will not abandon us in our old age, but it also implies that those who are God's agents in the world should show similar concern.
The United Synagogue Conservative Yeshiva in Jerusalem offers students of all backgrounds the skills for studying Jewish texts. We are a vibrant, open-minded egalitarian community of committed Jews who learn, practise and grow together. Our goal is to provide students the ability and desire to continue Jewish learning and practice throughout their lives. Rashei Yeshiva: Rabbi Richard Lewis, Rabbi Joel Roth and Rabbi Pesach Schindler.
8
Agron Street, Jerusalem |
This
study piece is offered as a service of the United Synagogue Conservative
Yeshiva. It is prepared by 
