Friday, November 5, 2021. This morning was dark, but only for a moment as the first light appeared. This year, the month of Kislev begins just before Daylight Savings Time ends – here in the Midwest, on Sunday we will be suddenly immersed in the darkness of early evenings, shortening the days an extra hour. For many of us, this time of the year brings greater struggles to keep our heads and hearts above water. Hope and positivity seem impossible as every day is darker than the one before, the cold settles in, and naked trees make the woods bleak and gray.
As Jews, into this spreading deep we bring the holiday of light, Chanukah, celebrating together a joyous victory, singing songs and kindling flames. In the Middle East, Kislev is a time of sowing many crops – wheat, barley, oats, peas, and more are all settled into the earth, which has been dampened by the rains of Cheshvan. And in the Torah, we read of our earliest ancestors’ travels and travails, overcoming drought, famine and ignorance to birth a peoplehood dedicated to caring for our neighbors. Throughout their stories, they dream — visit or wrestle with angels — and imagine a bright future, in conversation with G-d.
These are the recommendations for this month given to us by our source Mindy Ribner: Dream your dreams, and listen to them. Embrace optimism. Kindle lights and celebrate in joy. And do so in faith, in conversation with the Divine, however you receive it – allow yourself to leave the objective, pessimistic, often dark world which surrounds us, and imagine – dream – of a bright future, when people sing and celebrate together. May we all celebrate a Hanukah and Kislev of light and see our dreams realized, in faith and confidence. —Kirby
The next Rosh Chodesh walking meditation will be the first of Tevet, Sunday morning, December 5, 7:30 am. Rain or snow or shine! Contact us for location.
Rosh Chodesh Cleveland 