For Rosh Chodesh Av

As we enter the month of Av,
With the brokenness of the world revealed,
We can find among the fragments
Paths of healings.

Ways to care for the torn heart, the ravaged spirit
Ways to help mend,
And renew the sacred, the good, the just.

The message that is it impossible,
That there is nothing we can do,
Is part of the brokenness.
And keeps us divided and afraid.

Everyday we can mend,
         As we act with love and practice compassion,
         As we offer thanks and see beauty,
         As we allow sadness and pain,
         As we reach out to each other, asking for help, offering support,
         As we recognize and honor what is ours to give.
Everyday we can mend
As we return again and again to kindness, patience and care.

Brokenness is at the core of creation.
And so is the potential to heal.

Let sadness and grief guide us to empathy and compassion
And let us love into the brokenness
For the sake of each other and all life.

Chodesh Tov, Blessings for the month of Av.

Shalom,
Rabbi Yael

Listen to an archive Morning Meditation Sit for Rosh Chodesh Av

Please note that Rabbi Yael is on a mini-sabbatical, working on her forthcoming book on psalms. We will return to live meditations on Thursday, September 5, and to Torah study on September 2. Read Rabbi Yael’s letter about summer plans.

Go to all of Rabbi Yael's teachings and archives of Torah Study and Morning Meditation Sits on the A Way In website.