There is something to be said about making space for the sake of space. Opening oneself to the opportunity to enjoy the liminality between what is and what isn’t.
In her book Wintering: the Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times, Katherine May reminds us of the role winter plays in so many stories. The diminishing light, ubiquitous cold and blanketing snow create a reality that is both physical and psychological. Winter draws us to do what Katherine May calls “deeply unfashionable things: slowing down, resting, retreating.”
And now, we are here, closing in on the end of 2021, still with so much to process and to carry, in need of replenishment.
Between all of the Five Books of Torah, there is a space to rest. As we begin the Book of Exodus this Shabbat, we encounter a moment of stillness. This space is neither a part of Genesis or Exodus. It just is.
When we complete a book of the Torah, we traditionally say “Chazak, chazak, v’nitchazek! - Be strong, be strong, so that we may be strengthened.” We hope these next few weeks provide us all with the opportunity to savor that stillness. Slow down, rest, retreat so that we can find the replenishment and strength for what’s to come.
