Earlier this week, while driving, I heard a CBC story about one of the films premiering this week at TIFF, A Life Illuminated. This documentary tells the story of marine biologist Edie Widder, who studies bioluminescence in the twilight zone of the ocean. Widder made one observation that I’ve been ruminating on ever since, reflecting on how previous scientists and photographers had attempted to capture bioluminescence in photographs, and failed. She noted that her predecessors in this work had gone into the depths of the ocean and brought light with them – light that then scared away all of those incredible bioluminescent creatures. The flashes necessary to take photos in the dark made it impossible to actually document what they were seeking.
Sometimes, we get in our own way. Our usual routines and habits may not bring the results for which we are hoping! In many ways, this is the story of the Israelites’ relationship with God in the Torah. Torah describes our ancestors desiring the depths of that relationship – but at the same time, acting in ways that place distance between God and the people. In our Torah portion this week, Ki Tavo, we have a challenging passage describing all of the curses that will befall the people Israel if they don’t act in accordance with Torah – all of the multitude of ways they can get in their own way. At this time of year, as we prepare for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, we have an opportunity to reflect on those obstacles we place in our own paths, and pivot, to try something new, as Widder did.
May we all see more blessings, and fewer curses, even when our souls are in the deepest, darkest places.
