Sunday, July 7, 2024. A warm, beautiful morning greeted us today, flush with green leaves, the setting of fruits, and even a pair of deer fawns with their spotted backs. Summer is in full swing here in the Great Lakes.
As we have reported here many times before, the themes of the month of Tammuz stem from the unbearable searing heat and light of summer in the Middle East. In ancient myth, the Sumerian god Tamuz descended this month into the underworld, leaving the people desolate for half the year, until he returned again in the fall. The growth and creativity of spring are replaced by blinding reality and truth, illuminated by the summer sun, and negative emotions of anger and guilt. In Jewish tradition, the month includes the start of the three weeks of mourning, marking the breaching of the walls of Jerusalem by the Romans.
Many other Jewish stories are associated with the month. One of them about the waters of Moses, which rush out of the rock when he hits it with his staff, saving the wandering Israelites from drought and thirst. According to our source Rabbi Jill Hammer, this miracle is supposed to have happened on the first of Tamuz. In spite of Moses’ anger, the water appears. Hammer associates the source of the water with Miriam’s Well, which follows the Israelites on their journey, sustaining them and enabling them to reach the Promised Land.[1] We reflected on all the things that are underground and yet sustain us – the hiddenness of the Divine Presence, rain that falls and becomes groundwater, love and joy when a loved one passes away, even hope in times of challenge. The story of Moses and Miriam’s water reminds us that the cycle of life continues, even when hidden, and abundance and peace will inevitably return with the seasons. May it be so for all of us. Chodesh tov! – K. Miriam
Our next Rosh Chodesh walking meditation will honor the month of Av, Monday morning, August 5, 8:30 am. Rain or shine! – Contact us for location.
Rosh Chodesh Cleveland 