Dear all,
Each fall, there is a series of Jewish Holy Days and Festivals that last nearly an entire month, beginning with Rosh HaShanah and ending with Simchat Torah. The following month is called Cheshvan. There are no historic observances, and only one contemporary: Kristallnacht. We often call this month, “Mar Cheshvan” or “Bitter Cheshvan” because of the juxtaposition from the joy to the difficult.
I offer this as a setting for the blessing I received this week. On my daily walk with the babies, I looked up to see the most beautiful crescent moon (looking like a smile from the heavens) against a lovely sunset.
A crescent moon signals a new Jewish month. I looked at my calendar, and indeed it was the first of Kislev (the month during which Hanukkah begins).
I offered a prayer for the blessing of renewal. I needed it. I think we all need it.
We’ve been through a lot this past month. It’s time to harness new beginnings, capture new hopes, reach for new dreams, envision new possibilities, and embrace a moment in time to refresh our souls.
With love and shalom,
Rabbi Zach Shapiro
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