Dear Chevre,
As we
approach Shavuot, it's a time to reflect on the essential intertwining
of the agricultural, historical and ethical in Judaism and see what this
means for our lives. Shavuot, like so many Jewish holy days, celebrates
the cycle of sowing, tending and in this case, harvesting. It's also a
reminder of the peak historical moment of standing at Sinai, eyes
lifted, hearts open to Torah pouring in and entering the world through
us. And as Shavuot returns every year, we receive the ethical reminder
to act from the highest realm of Self (even if we also have many other
feelings and urges). So how do we live into all this today?
I think
Shavuot reminds us to reflect on our own cycles of sowing, tending and
reaping. Where are you now in this process both personally and
politically? Are you planting seeds to ready yourself or the world for
change? Are you growing something in your inner life or supporting
something in the world to grow? Or is it time to take stock of what has
already been planted, a time of reflection and harvesting where you have
been?
In any
case, I hope all Leyv Ha-Ir-niks will be together on the actual day of
Shavuot this year because it happens to be the Sunday of our Annual
Meeting, June 9. Let's stand at Sinai together, harvesting our past
year, living into our best selves for the congregational year to come.
We'll also have some moments for Yizkor, a time of remembrance that
takes place five times a year, including on Shavuot. See you then and
there. |