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RABBI'S BLOG

Rabbi Miriam's Blog

Ascending to Heaven on Jacob’s Ladder

11/8/2013

1 Comment

 
PictureNear Natanya, Israel. Photo was taken by Rabbi Miriam E. Hamrell – Oct. 2013
On my recent trip to Israel on a beautiful afternoon, we drove along the coast of the magnificent Mediterranean Sea to visit a childhood friend near Natanya. As we got off the main highway towards his neighborhood, I suddenly saw, as I made the turn, a large-scale sculpture. It was very different. At first glance I did not recognize its meaning. I thought it was based on the theme of Jacob’s ladder, but looking a little closer, I realized that the images are soldiers and not angels ascending the ladder to heaven. I was stunned. What is all this about, I wondered.

When we got to our friend’s home, I asked him to explain to me the meaning of this unique sculpture at the entrance to his neighborhood. He looked at me with a surprise on his face, and asked, “Don’t you know what this is?” “No,” I said. He went on, “Do you remember about 7 years ago a homicidal Arab detonated his backpack and killed about 14 soldiers waiting at the bus station.” “Yes, I remember,” I answered. He continued, “In the commotion of smoke, screams, and body parts all over the area, people ran to aid the wounded. Suddenly, while everyone was busy triaging the wounded, the homicidal bomber detonated himself and killed another eight soldiers.” “Oh my God. Yes, I remember this event,” I commented. “Well,” he continued, “this is an artist's interpretation of these soldiers ascending to heaven on Jacob’s ladder.” My heart was heavy and profoundly sad.

I could not get the sculpture out of my mind. Suddenly, I remembered Maimonides' writing and interpretation on the purpose of Jacob’s ladder. In his book, Guide to the Perplexed, Maimonides quotes, “He had a dream; a ladder was set on the ground and its top reached the sky, and angels of God were going up and down on it. And God was standing upon it” (Gen 28:12-13). He explains that the purpose of the ladder is to explain the relationship between two realities, between the existence on earth, and the existence in the “world of heavenly spheres,” both are set into action by God. The ladder is the connection between the two worlds, the heavenly and the earthly worlds. The angels ascend and become inspired, and then they descend and transmit the understanding they got in heaven to the earthly world.

Since in Isaiah 56:7 it is written, “For my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations,” I believe at Ahavat Torah we put into practice and observe this verse for the past six years.

We, each and every one of us, are the ascending angels who get inspired by our tradition’s teaching, whether it is the Torah, New Testament or the Koran, and than descend and convey our understanding of living in peace and harmony with one another. The best moral lesson is that at this point in our relationship, we practice patience, give love, and value the deep understanding with our Muslim and Christian brothers and sisters.

May the steps of Jacob’s ladder be the stepladder to peace, harmony and understanding of one another. Amen.


Ahavat Torah of West Los Angeles
1 Comment
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5/12/2019 01:31:41 pm

This is the very first time I have seen this Jacob's ladder. All of us have different interpretations if ever we will see something like this. But for me, it simply notes a ladder to heaven and the people who choose to go to the right path will always be saved. With everything that is happening in our environment right now, what we need to do is choose the right stuff and make it work for you. You will never know the time and day of your death, so it will always be ideal if you are now choosing to be a better person.

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    About Rabbi Miriam

    Rabbi Miriam E. Hamrell MHL, M.Ed., has served as  our religious and spiritual leader at Ahavat Torah Congregation and helped it grow since it was founded in 2003.

    She is loved for being a wise and compassionate leader who brings a remarkable variety of experiences and gifts to her calling as our Rabbi. 

    Rabbi Miriam provides classes throughout the world on Jewish Ethics, the Spiritual and Inner Meaning of Prayer, Holy Days, Torah, Talmud, Mishnah, Conversion to Judaism, and advice on interpersonal relationships.


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  • Ahavat Torah
    • Contact Us >
      • On-line
      • Address & Telephone
      • Directions and Parking
      • RSVP for Events
      • Newsletter Sign Up
    • Our Mission
    • Our Community
    • Our Rabbi
    • Our Cantorial Soloist
    • Our Associate Cantorial Soloist
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    • Archived Videos
    • Photo Gallery >
      • High Holidays photos 2011/5772
      • Ahavat Torah Community Dinner 2013
      • AT's 11TH Anniversary Fundraiser (2014)
    • AT In the News!
  • Newsletter
    • Newsletter Sign Up
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    • High Holidays Services 2020/5581
    • Shabbat
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      • Pesach
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    • Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah
  • Tikkun Olam
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    • Annual Gala
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    • Community Dinners
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    • JNF Trees
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