The Personal and the Communal are One

Dear Friends,

We begin Vayikra, the third book of the Torah, this week.

May echoes from these ancient texts hold and guide us.

As Vayikra opens, the Infinite Presence calls:

            Draw close.

            Draw close to the Life Force.

            Draw close to the Pulse of Creation,

            Draw close to the Intricate Web.

The personal and communal are one.

Every action taken,

Every choice made,

Impacts the whole.

Find willingness,

Express gratitude,

Experience goodness,

Offer forgiveness.

Draw close to these ways

So that what comes through us is

Calm, gentle kindness.

Draw close to these ways

So what we offer each other

Is support, connection and love.

The personal and communal are one.

And the Mystery is calling.

Let us pause and listen.

Let us feel into our connection with the Infinite Presence.

And let us make wise, compassionate choices.

The well-being of all

Depends on each of us.

—Rabbi Yael Levy

1 Nisan 5780