Unfortunately as of the beginning of 2010, the synagogue that I belong to here in Salt Lake City, Congregation Kol Ami, has found itself without a Rabbi. Of course this is due to politics and such which seems to be unavoidable in most religious organizations these days. Because of this, the synagogue has been finding people to help lead services from within the congregation. I have been asked to help out on a number of occasions, which I am happy to do. I enjoy leading services and I am happy to help out where I can.

So I am leading Kabalat Shabbat services on Friday evening, January 29. In addition to leading services I have also been asked if I could prepare a D’var Torah, which, for those who are not familiar with Jewish traditions, is a small speech/discussion about the weeks Torah portion. This is a special shabbat as it is Shabbat Shira (Shabbos of Song) which falls before Tu B’Shvat. So, my portion is Beshalah (Exodus 13:17 – 17:16) which starts with the story of the crossing of the Red Sea, the salvation of the Israelites and the destruction of the Egyptian army. It is kind of a heavy portion and I have been trying to find a way into it that I can relate to. I have only started my research, but I have already found some very interesting readings and ideas. So I am going to toss around some ideas while I work on this, and I certainly would enjoy input.