Our Own Journey Into the Desert

Debbie Lempert, WLCJ Convention Programming Vice Chair, Leadership Institute Trainer and WLCJ Consultant

This week’s parashah, Shemot, begins the Exodus story. I once asked my Rabbi why we read Shemot now instead of the spring. He suggested that it helps us prepare for our spiritual journey out of Egypt before the holiday arrives. While I have never been to Egypt, I have been to deserts. For my ancestors, the desert was home, filled with many hardships and trials. For me, the desert is a place of awe, peace, and finding a greater power.

Several years ago on a drive from Phoenix to San Diego, my husband and I watched the rocky hills and saguaros (tree-like cactus) change to desert sand dunes. There was nothing but sand everywhere, vast and quiet, like we were the only two people on earth. This feeling was amazing but terrifying. What if something happened to our car? There was literally nothing around us but nature. Luckily nothing happened and slowly the sand gave way to civilization.

Last October, my husband and I visited Sedona, Arizona, and hiked to Devil’s Bridge. As we got closer to the bridge, the incline became steeper and we had to climb up on our hands and knees. My husband, who has a healthy respect for heights, was daunted by the climb and the narrow bridge (a “Gesher Tzar Me’od“) 54 feet (five stories) above the ground. He was brave and I was exhilarated! The view of the red rock mountains was amazing. I wasn’t afraid but the climb down humbled me. I slipped on the sand and had to scoot on my bottom a few times. When we got to the bottom, I felt so accomplished and amazed by the entire experience.

The next day we climbed to Submarine Rock, an “easier” hike. Though not on all fours as much, hiking up and down plateaus proved tricky. When we reached the top, we were surrounded by gorgeous red rock mountains. The world fell silent. We sat absorbing the sounds of nature—the occasional bird call or whistle of wind. I took in all the natural beauty, God’s creation. I don’t often think about God’s influence in my life, but when I am in nature, especially on top of the world looking around, I feel something special, greater than myself. We had to tear ourselves from that mountain to hike down. Our bodies were exhausted and a bit banged up but our spirits and souls were full.

While only in the desert for two days, I think of the Israelites who wandered for 40 years and all they might have experienced. Did they look at the desert with similar amazement and wonder? My experiences in the desert will help me prepare to read Shemot and think ahead to Passover (just under three months away). This year, as I sit at my Passover table, I will be thinking of my time in the desert, recalling the beauty and trials of my experiences, blending it with those of my ancestors as they left Egypt towards freedom.

Shabbat Shalom,
Debbie Lempert
WLCJ Convention Programming Vice Chair, Leadership Institute Trainer and WLCJ Consultant
dlempert@wlcj.org