D'var Torah

As fall arrives and the leaves turn vibrant colors, I often think about the beautiful poem In Blackwater Woods by Mary Oliver. The poem begins with this phrase:

Look, the trees are turning their own bodies into pillars of light…

And ends with this one:

When the time comes to let it go, let it go.

There is much beauty in the fact that the trees are shedding their leaves at the same time we turn inwards to shed our transgressions. The beauty surrounding us during the fall reminds us that it is okay to be brave and let go of what we no longer need to carry. As we reach the end of the book of Deuteronomy, the People of Israel approach the brink of a new era in the Promised Land. At times they will need strength, courage, and stamina. But the Israelite nation also needs comfort and caring from God as they enter this new phase in their journey. 

We hope that Temple Rodef Shalom remains a place of respite and peace in a challenging and sometimes painful world. A new way we are bringing this to our community is through our new Healing Havdalah service, the first of which is this coming Saturday evening at 6:45 PM. Led by a member of the clergy and Tony Nalker on piano, allow the introspective music to bring calm and peace to your souls. We will use the ritual of Havdalah to let go of what does not serve us and allow the sweetness of a new week and new possibilities to rush in.

We hope that this intimate service is just one more way you can find peace in this new year if you find yourself struggling. As always, we hope you know the clergy and staff are here to support you along the way.

Shana tova u’metukah,

Cantor Rachel Rhodes