Seeing

As the month of Av gently turns us toward the New Year
This week’s Torah portion calls: See
See that every day you face choices
That are consequential for you and for others.

See, that the way you live matters and notice:

         What values, thoughts, stories are guiding your actions?
         What emotions, expectations, experiences are shaping your words?
         What happens as you encounter difficulty and pain?
         How do you respond to joy?

See and listen:
You shall not act as you do here and now,
Each person doing only what is right and good for themselves. (Deut. 12:8)

Now is the time to begin the turn:
         Bring your offerings to each other with open hearts and open hands.
         Be aware of what you consume, what you take into your body, your psyche, how and where you spend money.
         And practice joy.

With eyes wide open to all that is,
Let joy find you, let joy lift you,
Let joy nourish your heart and inspire your soul.
Everyday we make choices that have consequences
Beyond what we can know.
May we listen deeply,
May we see with eyes of courage and love
And may our words and actions align for healing, justice and peace.

Shalom,
Rabbi Yael Levy