Wednesday, September 4. Our group met on a perfect day to welcome Elul and begin the journey toward the High Holy Days. Flowers were blooming, and hummingbirds and deer graced our presence as we walked in honor of the month[1].
In reflection, we acknowledged that this is a time of introspection and teshuvah, returning, when we assess our behavior and spirit during the past year, and ask for forgiveness from those we have harmed – and grant it to those who have harmed us. In so doing we return to a sense of our better selves.
As Rabbi Alan Lew teaches us[2], the journey actually begins at Tisha B’Av, the observance in the month of Av when we commemorate the fall of Jerusalem to the Romans over 2,000 years ago. As the walls fall, so do we break down our Selves, weeping and mourning. Stephen reminded us that the seven weeks between Tisha B’Av and Rosh Hashanah – another 7-week journey reminiscent of the Omer of the spring – are known as the Weeks of Consolation, when we read in Isaiah words of consolation for our sorrow:
54:7 For a brief moment I forsook you, but I will gather you with great compassion.
54:8 In an outburst of wrath, for a moment I hid my face from you, but with everlasting kindness I will have compassion on you, says God, your Redeemer.
54:10 For the mountains may depart, and the hills may be removed, but my kindness will not depart from you, nor will my covenant of peace be withdrawn, says God, who has compassion on you.[3]
We marvel that we are moved by these words written so long ago – and remember that the Universe in nature is enduring over thousands of years, like the redwoods in the forests of California. In breaking our souls and being consoled, we travel to Rosh Hashanah – rebuilding ourselves as we return in Teshuvah. In closing, Linda blew the shofar long and loud. May each of us experience a meaningful Elul – and, consoled, look forward to a joyful Rosh Hashanah, not so far away! – K. Miriam
Our next Rosh Chodesh walking meditation will honor the month of Tishrei and the New Year! – Thursday, October 3, 7:30 AM. NOTE EARLIER TIME in observance of the holiday! Contact us for location.
[1] I note that I was out of town, and thank Linda and Stephen and the group for a moving observance! This is written from their notes. Photos were taken that morning, and include both the group’s walk, and my travel spot in northern Michigan. – K. Miriam
[2] Rabbi Alan Lew, This is Real and You Are Completely Unprepared: The Days of Awe as a Journey of Transformation. See Resources tab for full citation.
[3] Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan, The Living Torah: A new Translation, 3rd Edition; 1981, Moznaim Publishing Corp.
Rosh Chodesh Cleveland 