Thursday, March 26, 2020. Well what a lot has happened since Rosh Chodesh Adar, only 30 days ago! Here in the Great Lakes, as all over the world, we are struggling to establish a “new normal”, sequestering ourselves at home and trying to maintain family and work routines under very different circumstances. This month we experimented with meeting – the only in-person meet-up of our congregations right now – because we are a very small group (rarely more than six or eight people), meet outdoors, do walking meditation individually (walk alone), and have agreed to drive separately, and maintain at least six feet between us. As an outdoor activity, as well as a religious one, we are justified in at least giving it a try. We haven’t missed a month in 12-1/2 years; can we continue in the face even of this? – As it turns out, Yes. We met in the safety of wide open space, and honored the coming of Passover and spring, remembering those who are in isolation while living alone, or who have lost their livelihoods this month, or who are caring for the sick. The birds were singing this morning, the buds are opening, and the still water reflected the bright-lit sky. We will persevere within the ongoing cycle of nature.
I struggled with the topic of this month’s blog, feeling the need to respond to the sudden, overwhelming world of concern in which we live – and yet also aware that we are constantly bombarded with news and accounts of the pandemic, and perhaps need a little break from that. Is there anything we can learn from nature, and from our sages, about the month of Nissan – that can guide us, in the midst of this crisis?
During Nissan, at the full moon, comes Passover, our holiday which is strongly associated with the beginning of spring. Two major themes emerge: the greening of the world, arriving in full force in the Middle East, and soon to come in the Great Lakes. And freedom, escape from oppression both spiritual and personal, as it was experienced by our ancestors when they left Egypt at the first Passover. There is another theme which is not often discussed, cited by our source Jill Hammer. This is the “Indwelling”, the descending of the Shekhinah, the feminine and immanent aspect of G-d, the Divine Presence, into the tabernacle in the desert. Our sages tell us this first happened on the first of Nissan. According to Hammer, “as the air grows fragrant and the trees blossom, the Shekhinah, the tangible glory of G-d, descends into the shrine the Israelites have made – just as the presence of life descends into the earth and makes it green again. Within the Mishkan, the Shekhinah is like a bird in a nest, nestling at the center of the world to warm and shelter it.”
I can’t help but think of all of us, nesting in our homes, following new rhythms within small spaces, alone or with our immediate family units. It is a chance to re-create our internal worlds – a chance to seek the greening of spring, and the expansion of freedom, within our confinement. What will a little quiet, disconnection from the calendar and clock, a little extra reading, looking out our windows at the same old garden, daily meals at our kitchen tables, a Passover observed in limited company – do for our inner lives this season? Is there time for contemplation, for deeper conversations and thoughts, for celebrating the small changes of the trees? Can we feel ourselves warmed and sheltered here by the Shekhinah’s presence?
May we all be healthy, and find freedom and renewal in our small worlds, this year – and may next month bring us hope for the return of in-person connections with friends and family and community. –Kirby
Since we are a very small group, meeting outdoors only once a month, doing our walking meditation alone, and agreeing to keep the rules of social distancing by driving separately and keeping at least six feet between us, we are continuing to meet during this time of “sheltering at home”. However anyone should feel supported in deciding not to join us – we will say the blessings for you in your absence! The next Rosh Chodesh walking meditation will take place on the first day of the month of Iyyar, Saturday, April 25, 7:30 am. Rain or snow or shine! Contact us for location.
Rosh Chodesh Cleveland 