Sunday, September 1, 2019. It was a rainy morning at the Nature Center – wet and green. What a contrast with the hot, dry weather in the middle east, now and in ancient times!
As we greet the New Moon of the month of Elul, we begin the preparation for the coming High Holy Days. Elul is a month of introspection, of review of our Selves and our behavior, of seeking forgiveness, of making things right, of anticipation. Our source Alan Lew notes that the seventh month, which held the High Holy Days, was a time of heightened anxiety in the ancient Middle East. Unlike nearby civilizations, which had the bounty of ever-returning rivers to rely on – Egypt on the Nile, and Mesopotamia on the Tigris and Euphrates – Israel was wholly dependent on rain. By the sixth and seventh months, fields and pastures were parched, and the winter rains had not yet begun. How vulnerable farmers and shepherds alike must have felt, wondering if the rain would come again, and whether it would be robust enough to sustain the coming year’s life. Lew speculates that it might just have been this vulnerability that turned Israel to intense awareness of one G-d, pleading with one great Power on behalf of life itself.
It makes sense that this time of anxiety, of pleading with G-d, would have become over time the season for improving ourselves, and our relationships within our families and community. On a deep level, we hope that this work will bring a positive response — harmony in our world, and sustenance for the coming year. Elul is traditionally the month of forgiveness: asking forgiveness of those we have hurt, and granting forgiveness to those who have hurt us. In giving and receiving forgiveness, we restore trust and harmony to our relationships. And yet, how fraught with anxiety is the task. Our vulnerability is exposed. We might just call on the universe for support. And the only way forward is to plunge in, not knowing the outcome.
Entering the month of Elul, may we recognize our vulnerability — and charge forward anyway, relying on the deep benevolence of the universe, and of each other. May Elul be a fruitful month of reflection and awakening. Chodesh Tov, a good month! — Kirby
Next month’s walking meditation will be Rosh Hashanah morning, Monday, September 30, 7:30 am. Contact us for location. Join us to welcome the month of Tishrei, and celebrate the birthday of the world!
Rosh Chodesh Cleveland 