Sunday, May 24, 2020. The morning was beautiful – greenery filling the woods, the brook gurgling, the sky clear. The marsh has transformed with wildflowers and birds. We were especially appreciative, given the long winter, and the long deprivation of human interaction in which we are still immersed. We have decided to meet more often to be able to drink in each other’s company (in social distant safety, of course), and the company of nature. See further notes below.
This month Stephen presented us with his thoughts. He discussed three themes in the month of Sivan– Shavuot, the Book of Ruth, and Rebellion. The holiday Shavuot is the main event in Sivan – a commemoration of the giving of the Torah to the Israelites and their acceptance of it. The Torah, the Judeo-Christian founding document, established a framework for morality and conduct of life that pervades our society. As Jews, we recognize the importance of questioning and discussing that framework. On the evening of Shavuot, a whole night of study right through till dawn the next day, known as “Tikkun Leil Shavuot”, is devoted to exploring and illuminating the implications of the text. A recent such study session explored the biblical injunction in Genesis for humankind to have dominion over every living thing – an imperious attitude toward the environment whose negative consequences we bear now. We discuss, and frame a new understanding. Our act of faith is accepting the Torah – and arguing with it.
The Book of Ruth is read on Shavuot. The heart of the story – Ruth the Moabite accepted the faith of her Israelite mother –in-law, Naomi, and clings to her on her return to her Israelite kinsmen. There are many explanations given for the reading of Ruth on Shavuot. The most quoted reason is that Ruth’s coming to Israel from Moab, with Naomi, took place around the time of Shavuot, and Ruth’s acceptance of the Jewish faith of Naomi was analogous of the acceptance by the Jewish people of God’s Torah.
The rebellion of the Israelites in the wilderness is described in the Torah portion (Sh’lach) we read at the end of Sivan. It is a story of rebellion, blackmail and punishment. 12 spies went out to reconnoiter the promised land — 10 came back with a report so bad that it panicked the Israelites to the extent that they wanted to go back to Egypt. G-d was so furious He threatened to destroy the Israelites, but Moshe negotiated a reprieve – instead, the Israelites were punished by being forced to wander for 40 years in the wilderness. All died before reaching the promised land — except for the two spies, Caleb and Joshua, who had kept the faith and come back with a good report.
The common theme in all three of these topics is faith and constancy – our faithful engagement with the Torah; Ruth’s faithful acceptance of her mother-in-law’s Jewish faith; Caleb and Joshua’s faithful optimism that G-d’s promise would be fulfilled. Not to mention Moshe’s faith that the Israelites would overcome their resistance to a better future. How appropriate that we are in Sivan this month – as the greenery returns to us after a long winter without fail, and the first harvest of grains is gathered in Israel. May we continue in faith through the trials of the pandemic, our time of isolation and loss – and communal care – with hope for a better future, all of us together. Chodesh Tov! — Stephen and Kirby
Rosh Chodesh Cleveland continues to meet throughout this time of social distancing, by following safe guidelines as we meet outdoors and walk alone in meditation. We are experimenting this summer with meeting twice a month, at both the Full Moon and the New Moon. Our next gathering at the Full Moon (Keseh Sivan) will be Sunday morning, June 7, 7:30 am. Our next New Moon gathering (Rosh Chodesh Tammuz) will be Tuesday morning, June 23, 7:30 am. Please contact us for details.
Rosh Chodesh Cleveland 