Rising Again

Dear Friends,

As we turn to the story of Noach, I return to something I wrote while visiting family in Florida a few years ago. I can still feel its sentiment ringing in my soul.

The earth was filled with violence and contempt.
The corruption was destroying all. (Noach, Genesis 6:11-12)

The air is thick with water.
Grey clouds hold the sky.
All along the Florida coast
Wind slashes the land.

It is true,
We can see it.
Creation has gone awry.
We can point fingers of blame
We can say, no, not because of me.
And still,

So much is being destroyed.
Land, homes, families,
Fairness, justice, the possibilities of healing and peace.
The very fabric of our nation, of the world
Being torn apart.

Storms are raging.

And, there is also an orange butterfly
Flying through the rain and
Feasting on purple flowers.
There are dolphins swimming in ocean waves,
White egrets in long blades of grass,
A school of flying fish.

And there is someone laughing,
Someone holding a friend who cries,
There are children playing,
And sounds of music coming through the thick air.

None of this feels like enough
To turn the tides
Of arrogance, greed and corruption,
Right now.

But perhaps we can take refuge for even a moment,
In the goodness.
Perhaps the beauty can
Soothe our spirits,
Perhaps moments of joy
Can help us regain our strength.
Perhaps the awareness of connection,
The sensations of relationship
Can give us the courage
And the willingness
To step back into the storm
And rise again and again.

May the month of Heshvan, which begins today, hold us in a close embrace. May the light of this month encourage our awareness, curiosity and kindness so that a deep sense of caring guides our words and actions.

Hodesh Tov, a blessed month for all,
Rabbi Yael

This Week's Audio Teachings

We sit together as we welcome the month of Heshvan and the spacious perspective it offers. Listen to the recording of today's Meditation Sit with Rabbi Yael Levy on Soundcloud.
Listen to this week's Torah Study on Soundcloud.