To Differ is Divine:
Mar 08, 2023 |
Lent, Part 2: Repairing Relationships
| Rabbi Raachel Jurovics, The Rt. Rev. Samuel Rodman
Lent, Part 2: Repairing Relationships
This episode is part two of our four-part Lenten series, and today we discuss a familiar concept for anyone who engages in the liturgical season of Lent: repentance. Rabbi Raachel and Bishop Sam both understand repentance not as a requirement to relive shameful moments for the sake of being punished, but instead as a means of returning to right relationships with God and with each other through asking for and receiving forgiveness and taking steps to right the wrongs we have committed. Two examples from the early chapters of Genesis–Adam and Eve and Cain and Abel–provide a starting point for thinking about what it means to break the bonds of a relationship and how asking for forgiveness might change the paradigm.
Notes
We’ve aggregated helpful resources and additional information about the religious writings, practices, symbols and thinkers discussed in this episode.
Elul
In the Jewish solar-adjusted lunar calendar, the month of Elul precedes the High Holy Days in Tishri, Rosh haShanah (the new year) and Yom Kippur (the day of atonement/at-one-ment). Elul coincides with portions of the Gregorian calendar months of August and September.
Rosh haShanah
Observed on the first day of Tishri (the first month in the Jewish calendar, which usually falls in September and October), Rosh haShanah marks the Jewish New Year festival and begins the ten days of penitence culminating in Yom Kippur. It is one of two High Holy Days in the Jewish liturgical calendar. The 10 days of repentance and renewal that begin at sunset on Rosh haShanah and close with Yom Kippur are known as the Days of Awe. Outside of Israel, some Jews keep two days of Rosh haShanah, to be sure that their observance coincides with the New Moon in the Holy Land.
Yom Kippur
The “Day of Atonement” in Hebrew, Yom Kippur focuses on the opportunity for repentance, the paths of atonement, the promise of forgiveness and transformation.
Yom Kippur Katan
A “Minor Day of Atonement” in Hebrew, Yom Kippur Katan can be observed on the last day of each month in the Jewish liturgical calendar as a day of sel-examination and penance before the new month begins.
T'shuvah
The understanding of repentance in Judaism, t’shuvah is a Hebrew word rooted in the verb “to return,” as in, returning to a path of righteousness, realigning with Divine guidance.
Christian Confession
While in some Christian denominations confession is considered a sacrament, in The Episcopal Church, the rite of Reconciliation of a Penitent–or private, individual confession–is instead a sacramental rite. It is not practiced in The Episcopal Church as often as it is in some other Christian denominations, but it is available to people year round and most popular during the penitential season of Lent and Holy Week leading up to Easter.
God Walking with Adam and Eve in the Garden (Genesis 3:8-13)
They heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man, and said to him, “Where are you?” He said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.” He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit from the tree, and I ate.” Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this that you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent tricked me, and I ate.”
(New Revised Standard Version)
The Way of Love
In The Episcopal Church, the Way of Love is an intentional commitment to a set of practices for following Jesus: Turn, Learn, Pray, Worship, Bless, Go and Rest.
Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:8-16)
And Cain spoke unto Abel his brother. And it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.
And the LORD said unto Cain: "Where is Abel thy brother?” And he said: "I know not; am I my brother’s keeper?" And He said: “What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother’s blood crieth unto Me from the ground. And now cursed art thou from the ground, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother’s blood from thy hand. When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a wanderer shalt thou be in the earth." And Cain said unto the LORD: “My punishment is greater than I can bear. Behold, Thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the land; and from Thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a wanderer in the earth; and it will come to pass, that whosoever findeth me will slay me." And the LORD said unto him: “Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold." And the LORD set a sign for Cain, lest any finding him should smite him.
And Cain went out from the presence of the LORD, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden.
(Jewish Publication Society, Tanakh 1917)
Breslover (Bratslaver) Rebbe
The followers of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov (1772-1810) comprise a branch of Hasidic Judaism. His teachings intertwine Kabbalistic learning (a form of Jewish mysticism) with in-depth Torah study and keen psycho-spiritual insight. Reb Nachman is known for his creative parables and encouragement of those who struggle on their spiritual path.
Moses Cordovero
Moses Cordovero (1522-1570) represents a central figure in the evolution of Kabbalistic teaching, whose conceptual framework deeply influenced the work of Isaac Luria and his school, which in turn continues to shape Jewish mystical understandings.
Keva
“Routine” in Hebrew, keva describes the structure or framework of prayer.
Kavanah
“Intention” in Hebrew, kavanah - describes the intentionality of one’s prayers.
The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)
Then Jesus said, "There was a man who had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.’ So he divided his property between them. A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living. When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.”’ So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. Then the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly, bring out a robe—the best one—and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ And they began to celebrate.
"Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. He replied, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe and sound.’ Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. But he answered his father, ‘Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!’ Then the father said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.’”
(New Revised Standard Version)
Monism
Monism is the idea that the entire universe and all of reality is made up of the same substance and essence – divinity. The concept of monism appears in various forms across the world dating back to early Greek, Persian and Indian philosophies, as well as in the teachings of some Hasidic masters.
Notes
We’ve aggregated helpful resources and additional information about the religious writings, practices, symbols and thinkers discussed in this episode.
Elul
In the Jewish solar-adjusted lunar calendar, the month of Elul precedes the High Holy Days in Tishri, Rosh haShanah (the new year) and Yom Kippur (the day of atonement/at-one-ment). Elul coincides with portions of the Gregorian calendar months of August and September.
Rosh haShanah
Observed on the first day of Tishri (the first month in the Jewish calendar, which usually falls in September and October), Rosh haShanah marks the Jewish New Year festival and begins the ten days of penitence culminating in Yom Kippur. It is one of two High Holy Days in the Jewish liturgical calendar. The 10 days of repentance and renewal that begin at sunset on Rosh haShanah and close with Yom Kippur are known as the Days of Awe. Outside of Israel, some Jews keep two days of Rosh haShanah, to be sure that their observance coincides with the New Moon in the Holy Land.
Yom Kippur
The “Day of Atonement” in Hebrew, Yom Kippur focuses on the opportunity for repentance, the paths of atonement, the promise of forgiveness and transformation.
Yom Kippur Katan
A “Minor Day of Atonement” in Hebrew, Yom Kippur Katan can be observed on the last day of each month in the Jewish liturgical calendar as a day of sel-examination and penance before the new month begins.
T'shuvah
The understanding of repentance in Judaism, t’shuvah is a Hebrew word rooted in the verb “to return,” as in, returning to a path of righteousness, realigning with Divine guidance.
Christian Confession
While in some Christian denominations confession is considered a sacrament, in The Episcopal Church, the rite of Reconciliation of a Penitent–or private, individual confession–is instead a sacramental rite. It is not practiced in The Episcopal Church as often as it is in some other Christian denominations, but it is available to people year round and most popular during the penitential season of Lent and Holy Week leading up to Easter.
God Walking with Adam and Eve in the Garden (Genesis 3:8-13)
They heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man, and said to him, “Where are you?” He said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.” He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit from the tree, and I ate.” Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this that you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent tricked me, and I ate.”
(New Revised Standard Version)
The Way of Love
In The Episcopal Church, the Way of Love is an intentional commitment to a set of practices for following Jesus: Turn, Learn, Pray, Worship, Bless, Go and Rest.
Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:8-16)
And Cain spoke unto Abel his brother. And it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.
And the LORD said unto Cain: "Where is Abel thy brother?” And he said: "I know not; am I my brother’s keeper?" And He said: “What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother’s blood crieth unto Me from the ground. And now cursed art thou from the ground, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother’s blood from thy hand. When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a wanderer shalt thou be in the earth." And Cain said unto the LORD: “My punishment is greater than I can bear. Behold, Thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the land; and from Thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a wanderer in the earth; and it will come to pass, that whosoever findeth me will slay me." And the LORD said unto him: “Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold." And the LORD set a sign for Cain, lest any finding him should smite him.
And Cain went out from the presence of the LORD, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden.
(Jewish Publication Society, Tanakh 1917)
Breslover (Bratslaver) Rebbe
The followers of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov (1772-1810) comprise a branch of Hasidic Judaism. His teachings intertwine Kabbalistic learning (a form of Jewish mysticism) with in-depth Torah study and keen psycho-spiritual insight. Reb Nachman is known for his creative parables and encouragement of those who struggle on their spiritual path.
Moses Cordovero
Moses Cordovero (1522-1570) represents a central figure in the evolution of Kabbalistic teaching, whose conceptual framework deeply influenced the work of Isaac Luria and his school, which in turn continues to shape Jewish mystical understandings.
Keva
“Routine” in Hebrew, keva describes the structure or framework of prayer.
Kavanah
“Intention” in Hebrew, kavanah - describes the intentionality of one’s prayers.
The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)
Then Jesus said, "There was a man who had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.’ So he divided his property between them. A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living. When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.”’ So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. Then the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly, bring out a robe—the best one—and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ And they began to celebrate.
"Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. He replied, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe and sound.’ Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. But he answered his father, ‘Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!’ Then the father said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.’”
(New Revised Standard Version)
Monism
Monism is the idea that the entire universe and all of reality is made up of the same substance and essence – divinity. The concept of monism appears in various forms across the world dating back to early Greek, Persian and Indian philosophies, as well as in the teachings of some Hasidic masters.
