Sharing Shearim

she has 100 gates, all of them leading in

but alike in appearance when locked or not

so one needs to turn the handle

a hearty heft of shoulder and

hip to see if the hinges will budge

some of them are marked to

beware of dogged thought

alarm wire hidden on thresh, behold

key under the fake, bolder

under surveillance of query

but one needs to turn the handle

and reveal layers of conquest

gates within guarding the heart of the matter

secondary and tertiary considerations

 one leading to others, a diverged path, 

thus forced to choose an identity

this maze of gates can bog the weary 

traveler that may freeze with indecision 

others may prefer to jump the fence

out before they find the way

in they might be surprised

if they would only turn the handle

Beginnings

This week I had the privilege to lead my cohort in prayer, the first official student led teffilot of the year (you've gotta love alphabetical order).  In light of the initial nature of the service, the start of the school term, and the quickly approaching Rosh HaShana, my cantor partner and I themed the service after beginnings.  What follows is a consolidated copy of my comments:

Before we begin

We are in a season of beginnings; with new classes, the onset of our professional journeys, and the beginning of the religious calendar upon us, we begin again.  New beginnings can be a challenge or a relief.  Some experiences can be unsettling at first during a period of acclimation.  Take a moment to take stock: will you use your own beginning as a fresh start? Is there an ending that made this beginning possible? What do you carry with you and what do you leave behind?

For me when I open a new book, wafting the smell of crisp new pages, or I settle back as the opening movie credits begin to roll, or I meet someone new for the first time, I feel a sense of mystery and excitement.  There is anticipation for what may be found down the road: a promise of what is to come.  Even though I am eager to know what lies ahead, I like to pause during moments like this. Beginnings, while sweet, are also fleeting.  So often, we dive into new experiences without hesitation, eager to encounter something novel, but then we may find ourselves caught up, lost even, or lacking closure from where we were before.  Beginnings are a liminal state; if we stop and reflect I think we may enjoy the new experience all the more.

Thus, as I begin a new year, I look back.  The previous year was characterized by change as I concluded my jobs working with Friedman Place, Temple Sholom, and Avodah in Chicago, I moved away from communities that supported me, and I entered a new community on the other side of the planet.  My family has expanded with new births and weddings recently.  My loved ones have engaged with new opportunities, and experienced a plethora of beginnings of their own.  In leading services for the first time here today, I look forward.  This symbolically and literally leads me into a new chapter of my life. I am unsure if what I do is sufficient nor do I know where my actions and decisions lead me, but I do know that I am here now.  For Plato, "The beginning is the most important part of the work." In actively reflecting and planning for the year and years ahead, the work is the most important part of the beginning.

Northern Exposure

Morning Services IN the Kinneret!

In quick succession, I have had new opportunities to explore the hilly northern regions of Israel.  The first came as a getaway among friends during the break between summer and fall academic terms. Seven of us piled into small little car and wound our way among earthen redoubts and bovine sanctuaries.  Our main destination was Tzfat (Safed?), the ancient city of mysticism and art.  Some say this is the highest city in the Galilee and Israel; the view from our rented apartment would support this claim.  I remember stopping in Tzfat during Birthright. Walking down the cobblestone sidewalks, I was reminded of the colorful places of worship and the rows of galleries with their windows looking out on the countryside.  My friends and I spent our break relaxing by sampling  locally produced wine, goat cheese, and olive oils.  We admired the artisanry  and ritual objects.  As we browsed talliyot and jewelry, the microcalligrapher who illustrates biblical scenes with the complete text promised a free print if we could find an error.  Perhaps a return trip is in order after the completion of our Biblical Grammar course?

Smiles at Tel Hai

Busy schedules drew us back to Jerusalem after two nights, but within a week, we found ourselves driving northwards again as part of the first study tiyul of our year for our Israel Seminar with the rest of our colleagues. This journey brought us to the Kinneret region including Kibbutz Degania, the city of Tiberias, and a stop in Nazareth.  Framing our trip was the pioneer experience of the early kibbutznikim, people who gave up lives elsewhere to reinvent themselves and the land 100 years ago.  This concept informs a piece of Israel's identity and continues to be played out through agricultural and modern urban kibbutzim. We stopped by one urban kibbutz whose mission is built on education and youth outreach.  The group relies on consensus model decision making, something with which I am only too familiar (shout out #weareavodah), to coordinate daily operations and life with young children.  As a long term arrangement, I wonder what life would be like in a complete cooperative.  Can such a model persist alongside a society built on capitalist ideals?

Gan HaShlosha: sunnyday destination

Our adventures concluded with a visit to Gan HaShlosha, a national park and natural spring.  Few things are as refreshing as a quick swim with nibbling fish, waterfalls, and some swimming buddies. In these clear waters, you can see people of all denominations and races swimming together.  Now fall term is in full swing, but hopefully more refreshing swimming excursions lie ahead in my future!