We Stand Here Today

As we come toward the threshold of the New Year,
the Torah calls:
You stand here with everyone,
with all who came before you,
and with all who will come after.

You stand here with those you love,
and with those with whom you deeply disagree.
You stand here with earth and all creation,            
preparing to cross over into a renewed relationship
with the Unfolding Mystery of All Life.
Deut. 29:9-14

How do we cross?
How do we enter into this New Year of possibility?

The Infinite Life Force commands:
Go with Love.
Love with all your heart, with all your soul,
and walk in the ways of love. 
Deut. 30:16

The soul trembles, it cries,
Love –
in the face of all this horror and pain?
Love –
as violence and cruelty rage?
Love –
as the heart constricts in hatred and fear?

This is the covenant, the Infinite replies,
This is why you are here.

And it is not too great a task for you.
It is in your mouth and heart to do.
Deut. 30:14

Choose love.
Love those you love with all your heart, soul and strength.
Love the trees, sky, rivers and rocks.
Love the birds, turtles, dragonflies and frogs.

Practice loving where it is easy,
for there will be times
when love feels impossible to reach.

Let that be.
Love where you can, as best you can.
Love will make you strong.

I place before you all of life, the Infinite calls,
good, evil,
devastation and blessing
malice and generosity –

Choose.

May our hearts be strong and filled with courage. 
Psalm 27: 14

We will rebuild this shattered and beautiful world with love.
Psalm 89:3

Rabbi Yael

Psalm 27 is a great guide as we journey through Elul. Saying the whole psalm, or a particular verse, helps us engage in the spiritual work of this time. You can download Rabbi Yael’s translation and the Hebrew text.