Last week we welcomed the Hebrew month of Iyar. The new month in the Jewish calendar always falls at the time of the new moon, when the sky is darkest. It is a lesson in the power of renewal. We celebrate the light and joy that is yet to come, even when the sky itself is dark. It is fitting that the holidays in this springtime month begin with Yom Hazikaron (remembering those who have perished in sustaining and establishing the Jewish State) followed by Yom Ha’atzmeut (Israel’s Independence Day)--both commemorated this past week.
It is a reminder to us that the darkness of loss and suffering can give way to renewal and even celebration. Hebrew is one of only a few languages that has dedicated words for “the day before yesterday” ( שלשום- shilshom) and “the day after tomorrow” ( מחרתיים- machrataim). Poet Yehuda Amichai writes, "The land is divided into districts of memory and provinces of hope.” So too are our hearts capable of simultaneously holding loss and disappointment even as we dream of brighter days. Shabbat Shalom, Sarah
I share Yehuda Amichai’s whole poem “Love of the Land” below. Many more volumes of Israeli literature, history and culture may be found in our Braude Library.
A reminder that TBE will be traveling to Israel in November! We hope you can join us on this journey.
Under the guidance of our medical advisory committee, we have moved to an optional masking policy for worship. We will continue to watch the numbers and, in accordance with the CDC, will update the policy as necessary. With unmasking, it will be even more important to monitor yourself and to stay home if you are experiencing any symptoms or have been a close contact.to anyone with a confirmed case. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
