Cantor Kerith Spencer-Shapiro: Water From a Rock

Cantor Kerith Spencer-Shapiro asks, "Have you ever been so angry and frustrated that you lashed out and struck an inanimate object?" This experience is something that most of us can connect with, even though we may feel uncomfortable recalling a time when we did so. This week’s portion contains such a moment, where Moses, our most revered teacher, becomes exasperated and infuriated with the Israelite people. In the wilderness, God tells Moses to speak to a rock and that water will pour forth. Moses, in his utter frustration, calls out, “Listen you recalcitrants! Shall we go get water for you out of this rock?” and then strikes the rock rather than speaking to it, as God instructed.Each week, a member of the clergy offers their personal perspective on a topic of their choice, such as the week's Torah portion, a Jewish holiday, ritual, custom, or history. Facebook: Wilshire Boulevard TempleWebsite: wbtla.orgYoutube: Wilshire Boulevard TempleInstagram: wilshireboulevardtemple