This sermon stems from Jeremy Wood’s experience as a student in religious academies in Jerusalem. Each week, Jews chant and study a portion of the Torah, as they have for millennia. In the portion this week, Moses stands atop a mountain on the precipice of the land to which he has led his people for 40 years. Before him lies that territory, its milk and honey, its grape vines and olive trees. In the shadow of the mountain lie his frightened people, preparing to enter a new life. On the summit, God denies Moses’ protesting wish to enter the land and tells him to bid farewell to the families camped behind. Our sermon focuses on two words in the text, rav lecha, “it is much to you.” Traditionally interpreted as God’s frustration – “that’s enough from you” – Jeremy takes the words at face value: it is plenty for you, it is enough, turn towards your people. Drawing on centuries of traditional interpretation as well as the existentialist thought of Levinas and Kafka, this week’s sermon discusses those points where we are forced to take our hands off the driving wheel, to stop doing, creating, making. When we must turn back to community and relationships and recognize what already is good, what already is enough, when others can continue the work and we can find contentment together.
Bios: Jeremy is a tribal court judge and attorney based in Seattle. He graduated cum laude from the University of Washington School of Law and publishes regularly on topics of employment and Indian law. In 2016 the Seattle City Council appointed him to that city’s Human Rights Commission, which he later chaired, and in 2022 to the Seattle Community Police Commission. He is passionate about criminal justice reform, local history, and food traditions. He leads restoration-focused kayak tours in his free time.
Karling grew up at QUUF and works as a panel navigator focused on population health for the University of Washington medical system. A graduate of Seattle University, she loves to bake, practice yoga. and learn about the vibrant city she now calls home. Jeremy and Karling have an adorable mutt named Charlie. Jeremy would like to think he’s Charlie’s favorite. Karling is.
Click here to view the service at 10am.