Thursday, September 10. For logistical reasons we met two days before the first of Tishrei this year. But it is fitting that we have a few moments together to prepare for the start of the High Holy Days. It was a lush early September morning – the first colors of fall beginning – but warm and humid, a rainforest abundant with flowers and fruits. Yellow ironweed, boneset and jewelweed showed their floral colors, while swamp mallow and swamp rose set seedpods and red berries. In the middle east, harvest of grapes, figs, pomegranates, and olives is in full swing. It’s a good time to gather together before the Days of Awe.
Following on last month’s metaphor, we have almost crossed the wide field of Elul, walking with the King as we prepare to enter the Gates of Repentance at Rosh Hashanah. And there they are ahead of us. What will it take to enter them? For what transformation will we be ready as we do so?
Rabbi Debra Robbins, reflecting on Psalm 27, reminds us of the 14th verse: V’yaameitz libecha (Let your heart be of good courage). Similarly, she recalls a song we sing at High Holy Days: Hayom tamtzeinu (today give us courage and strength). What courage it takes to collect our findings from the month of reflection, and carry them with us as we cross the threshold. What courage to face our shortcomings and forgive ourselves, while vowing to make amends. Rabbi Robbins’ prayer:
Today, this day, this year, every day,
remind me, G-d of my heart strength
to keep couraging,
through fear, and away from sin.
To continue the journey of living,
turning, from what is wrong, destructive,
hurtful to the self,
to others,
the world,
to You –
and live –
live with courage and hope.[1]
May we all be strong, and of good courage, to continue our journey together, into the Days of Awe. Chodesh tov, and L’Shana Tovah! – K. Miriam
Our next Rosh Chodesh walking meditation will honor the month of Cheshvan, Monday, October 12, 8:30 am. Rain or shine! Contact us for location.
[1] Rabbi Debra Robbins, Opening Your Heart with Psalm 27: A Spiritual Practice for the Jewish New Year. NY: Central Conference of American Rabbis, 2019.
Rosh Chodesh Cleveland 