Nourished by the Word: A Call to Read Scripture

by Rabbi Carol Calise

On Shabbat, I encouraged us to commit to reading through the Bible this year. The psalmist reminds us, “Your word is a lamp for my foot and a light on my path” (Psalm 119:105). Adonai has given us the Scriptures to help us navigate the journey of life. Throughout the Bible, we are shown the importance of God’s Word; it is spiritual nourishment, a source of promises to hold onto, and practical instruction for how to live.

Joshua 1:8 encourages us: “Keep this book of the Torah on your lips, and meditate on it day and night, so that you will take care to act according to everything written in it. Then your undertakings will prosper, and you will succeed.” When we follow the principles found in Scripture, they guide us toward a life of wisdom and blessing.

I have been so encouraged hearing from many of you who have already started using the reading guide and are excited to be in the Word. Two ladies even shared how they read the daily selections together over the phone and encouraged one another. Others have been writing down questions and are eager to send them to Michael and me. What a beautiful picture of community and growth.

When we neglect reading the Word, we are starving ourselves spiritually. The Bible is food for our spirits; it strengthens us in difficult seasons and sustains us in joyful ones. I’ve shared this story many times at the congregation and even referenced it again this past weekend, but I want to repeat it here because it so clearly demonstrates the power of God’s Word.

On January 9, 1989, my father graduated from this earth to his heavenly reward. I was very close with my dad, and his passing was deeply difficult. I went home for his funeral and stayed for a month as my siblings and I helped my mother sort through insurance, finances, and other responsibilities. During that time of grief and sorrow, I did not read the Bible at all.

On my return trip, during a long layover in Pittsburgh, I pulled out my Bible along with a reading plan (I always use one to help me read through the Scriptures each year). That particular plan began with the book of Job, which is not the most uplifting place to start. Yet, after reading for about half an hour, I closed my Bible and realized that I felt strengthened in my inner being. Nothing dramatic stood out, and I didn’t receive a specific “word” from the Lord, but I felt different. I knew it was because I had been in the Word.

Wherever you are in your spiritual journey, and whatever your current habit of Bible reading may be, I want to encourage you to take a simple step toward growth in this area. You can visit the page below to learn more about the importance of reading Scripture and to download the Bible reading plan we are using together. Just click on the picture of the Torah.