Snow is an intermediary state between fluid water and solid ice. Meteorologists perceive this to be the result of pressure systems and precipitation levels. At times like these, looking at snow more spiritually may help us feel better when February envelops us with biting cold temperatures and icy precipitation.
To appreciate the spiritual implications, we need to examine the properties of snow. A snowflake needs at least two components to form - cold air, water droplets (vapor) and a nucleus. The nucleus is made up of dust, minerals, or other microscopic particles in the air. A snowflake is formed when water takes shape around these tiny particles and the cold air turns it into ice crystals.
Snow consists of separate snowflakes that are independent properties - each comprised of about 100 ice crystals. Snowflakes cling to each other, but they are not intrinsically one. In contrast, water is one unified entity. Although it consists of droplets, each drop joins with another and they become one body of water.
Who has not been awed by the beauty of a fresh covering of snow? The serenity and whiteness of snow attracts us. We sense the purity of snow when we wake up in the morning and see the streets, so often filled with grime, covered with a pristine white blanket. Snow is a great equalizer - no matter how big the building, or the car, they are all covered equally. Snow can cover over the impurities of life and remind us of our own purity.
And let us not forget that no two snowflakes are alike, just as each of us are individuals. We each contribute our individuality to the TBE family, just as each unique snowflake lends the cold a certain beauty.
Pennsylvania's most famous groundhog emerged from his burrow on a snowy Tuesday morning this week and saw his shadow, declaring there would be six more weeks of winter. At Temple Beth-El, we have so much to look forward to with celebrations, programs, holidays, and of course, the Purim Spiel
(February 25, 2021, 7 PM). Check your email and website and join us. It will make the winter seem so much shorter.
Remember these words of wisdom from your very cold Executive Director.
Judy Moseley
