A moment of reflection with Rabbi Ryan Daniels
“We remember the fish that we ate in Egypt, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic. Now… there is nothing at all! Nothing but manna! (Num. 11:5-6).
Our biblical ancestors kvetched, nostalgic for Egypt, even if what they complained about was imagined. Focused solely on what they longed for, they were unable to see the nourishing manna that fell from heaven to satisfy them. Their reaction is utterly human: it’s often difficult to recognize the miracles, both big and small, that bless us each day when there is so much destruction, pain and other noise all around. However Jewish tradition compels us to ask, “What is my manna?,” bringing our many blessings into our awareness and inviting us to offer gratitude for them.
Rabbi Ryan Daniels, North Shore Congregation Israel |