Sunday, August 28, 2022. I am newly returned to Cleveland after almost three weeks in the Adirondack Mountains. We are very grateful to Linda and Stephen for holding Rosh Chodesh Cleveland together during a summer when I was unable to attend most months, including this past Rosh Chodesh Elul. Elul nevertheless began, with the marshmallows in pink bloom as always at the marsh. Now, we are coming to the end of a month of preparation and anticipation, wherever we are, as we look to the coming High Holidays.
I was fortunate this summer to participate in an online meditation course, sponsored by the Institute of Jewish Spirituality[1], that was led by Rabbi Sheila Pelz Weinberg. The first week covered an introduction and refresher on meditative practice, and cultivating meditative attention. Key to Rabbi Weinberg’s teaching was the concept of Teshuvah: returning, which is also a key theme of Elul and the High Holidays. Traditionally, we think of Teshuvah in the context of “returning” to Jewish observance; or “returning” to spiritual wholeness. We do spiritual accounting in Elul to help us plan and “return” to being our better selves in the New Year.
In Rabbi Weinberg’s teaching, we focused on “returning” our meditative attention, being drawn “like a magnet” back to our center of focus when our mind inevitably wanders in mindfulness practice. “Teshuvah” then becomes a sort of mantra, returning, returning ourselves to presence in the moment. We can also practice this “Teshuvah” in “returning” to being present with others, in the moment, when they need a listener, or even when just enjoying each others’ presence. How often are we distracted by stress, daily needs, longstanding conflicts, or even our phones? How could we practice Teshuvah in truly being present with our loved ones and acquaintances this year?
Wishing everyone a meaningful end of the month, and a most sweet and happy and healthy New Year! L’Shana Tova! — Kirby
Our next Rosh Chodesh walking meditation will be Rosh Chodesh Tishrei, Rosh Hashanah, Monday morning, September 26, at 7:30 am. Rain or shine! Contact us for location.
Rosh Chodesh Cleveland 