This article was written by Yael Stochel, summer inchworm 2019
GrowTorah Core Value: Incubating Emunah
Lesson Title: Our Garden, Our Makom
Jacob leaves Ber Sheva for Charan, stopping on the way to rest. During his rest he dreams of angels ascending and descending a ladder that connects heaven and earth. God appears and promises the land Jacob rests on to his descendants. When Jacob awakes he anoints the stone that he slept on. What makes physical spaces holy?
GUIDING QUESTIONS:
How does our character impact our surroundings?
How can we make sure our garden is a warm and welcoming space?
(ט) וַיִּפְגַע בַּמָּקוֹם (בראשית כח, יא), רַב הוּנָא בְּשֵׁם רַבִּי אַמֵּי אָמַר מִפְּנֵי מָה מְכַנִּין שְׁמוֹ שֶׁל הַקָּדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא וְקוֹרְאִין אוֹתוֹ מָקוֹם, שֶׁהוּא מְקוֹמוֹ שֶׁל עוֹלָם וְאֵין עוֹלָמוֹ מְקוֹמוֹ, מִן מַה דִּכְתִיב (שמות לג, כא): הִנֵּה מָקוֹם אִתִּי, הֱוֵי הַקָּדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא מְקוֹמוֹ שֶׁל עוֹלָם וְאֵין עוֹלָמוֹ מְקוֹמוֹ.
GUIDING QUESTIONS:
What are the possible meanings of "makom," space?
- Har Hamoriah, Hashem
Why is Hashem called "hamakom"?
- no world/place without Hashem
- presence in physical space
Living the Lesson
GUIDING QUESTIONS:
How can we find Hashem in our own gardens, our own space in nature?
- personal and communal
GUIDING QUESTIONS:
How are specific places designated holy?
- temple, synagogue, mikveh...
Do you find spirituality and space in certain spaces?