Sunday, May 17, 2026. It must be Sivan: what a glorious morning. Balmy, green, and enveloped in birdsong. One of us counted 22 species of birds – a Rose-Breasted Grosbeak! A Baltimore Oriole! Warblers and catbirds!
In the middle east, we noted, growing season is well along, and harvest is beginning for wheat, oats, peas, chickpeas, lentils and other short-season crops. The wheat and barley harvest are the focus of our holiday this month, Shavuot, only five days away. We celebrate the in-bringing of early crops – and more importantly, the receiving of the Ten Commandments and our Torah on Mount Sinai.
Sivan is known as a month of duality – the Zodiac symbol Teomim (Gemini/twins) brings to mind the many ways that duality is present in our world. It is an auspicious month for weddings, the joining of two souls into one – and for creative projects, the synthesis of disparate ideas into one. Our sources suggest that the Torah is reflective of this, joining the duality of our spiritual and everyday lives with guidance for both. One of us noted that Sivan is a “thin time”, when G-d is closer to us and the potential for deeply spiritual connection is all around us.
It’s hard to believe, but Sivan is the last month of the Jewish spring season – next month begins the summer. Today, we look toward the end of the Omer, and our arrival at Sinai. May we all experience the full joy of receiving during this month of beauty and creativity. Chodesh Tov! – K. Miriam
Our next Rosh Chodesh Walking Meditation will honor the month of Tamuz, Tuesday, June 16, 8:30 am. Rain or shine! Contact us for location.
Rosh Chodesh Cleveland 