Our Congregation

Greetings friends

The new year began with the promise of the freedom of the people.  A promise made all those years ago that not only would G0d lead the people to Egypt but he would bring them out—this is the promise kept.

But changes had taken place, and changes need to take place.  This 11-day journey will take 40 years; during those 40 years, the people will have the constant companionship of the deity, enveloped in a cloud by day and fire by night.  This group of people, forever after known as the wilderness generation, had been subjugated for 430 years and were completely provided for. Given their food, water, and lodgings, they knew nothing of independence, freedom, or initiative. They would have to learn, and what they ultimately learned has been passed down to us so that friends—no dream is too big, no challenge too great, and nothing we want for our future is beyond our reach.

Remember that.  It is etched into our genetic code.  We are survivors and will always survive and ultimately thrive.  Each of you is these people, and each of you has an impact on the universe around you.  You think it impacts you, but you impact everyone you come across, and the great lessons in this book are part of your souls.

Last week, we read about the steps to freedom by the introduction of a deity.  The people—yes, they were freed. What you have to realize is this was not a one-shot deal. This is an always issue. Freedom is a right.  We witnessed the festival that ushered in this freedom, the one we recreate every year and have for the last 3,500 years.  Take it to heart.  Make it have the same meaning in your life.  Celebrate freedom—not theirs but yours.

Keep dreaming and keep reaching.  We all encounter red seas to cross.  When we have our backs to the wall as they did with an opposing army on one side and a sea on the other, they went forward, as do we all.  We take a stand, go forward, survive, and thrive.

Only fear can hold you back. Fear, the great thief of time, the projection of something negative that hasn’t happened in a current situation.

And every year, we recreate the event of freedom to remind ourselves of its importance.  Just as we can overcome the plagues of life, we can overcome the feelings of constraint.  The ancient name of Egypt was not Egypt.  It was Mitzraim, a word that means constraint.  We were freed from the constraints of fear once. And we remind ourselves annually that freedom is our right and is the most important holiday in the Bible.

Keep practicing forgiveness, and use this time to continue to forgive those you need to forgive and ask forgiveness from those you need to seek forgiveness from. Give thanks and celebrate your freedom and joy; do not succumb to fear and its friends, anger, and hatred.

This episode will be posted on our channel. Click here to watch the Rabbi David Gellman Show in the 2025 cycle.

And if you are one of the people this was sent to by a friend and want to receive it yourself, let me know. I will add you to my mailing list.

Thank you all for allowing me into your homes, electronic devices, and hearts, as you are all with me in mine.

Be well, be happy, be healthy, be free, be kind, be forgiving, be compassionate, be independent of mind and deed, be mindful of your intentions, and be good to yourself.  Continue to celebrate freedom of choice in your life. Do not give in to the fear that is so prevalent, and enjoy the peace that comes from acceptance. As always, if you have any questions or suggestions or want to say “hi,” please send me an email.  I love hearing from you.

Remember, anytime you do not want to receive these anymore, please send me an email so I can remove you.  Know that I truly appreciate you sharing your sacred time with me.

Enjoy and celebrate your life and the lives of others, and be happy in doing so. May you all sow the seeds of and reap the rewards of peace, love, and miracles. Make sure you also celebrate your unique individuality and your incredible awesomeness.

Continue celebrating love; enjoy your Valentine’s Day. Spend it with someone you love. Continue celebrating freedom; send renewal and goodwill out to everyone in the world. It is an energy that cannot be stopped. Be a growing beacon of light; remember, your world is what you make it.  Just wish upon a star, continue to be a miracle in someone’s life, and light the light of love.

Blessings

RD