Shabbat Greetings
Some would say that this Shabbat is a Shabbat of opportunities. First of all, we begin the final book of the Torah, Devarim, Deuteronomy, which is also this week’s Torah portion (Deuteronomy 1:1-3:22). As this is the final book of the Torah, it is also a reminder that the year is beginning to wind down and the High Holy Days are not so far away. Soon we will each have the opportunity to open our OWN new book, the book of our lives, and begin to inscribe the flow of our days in 5785.
It is also Shabbat Chazon, the Sabbath of Vision. This is the name given to the Shabbat that occurs immediately prior to Tisha B’Av (the 9th of Av) which will occur this coming Monday evening and Tuesday. Traditionally, Tisha B’Av is considered the second most important fast day of the year, second only to Yom Kippur. The is a day to lament the destruction of the first and second temples, and many other tragic losses in the life of the Jewish people. As Reform Jews, the destruction of the Temple lent way for the democratization of Judaism, wresting power and authority out of the hands of an elite and corrupt priesthood and placing it in the hands of scholars, and then rabbis, who represent the people.
Nevertheless, when we experience a loss personally, it is often a time to reflect on our own life and legacy and to adjust our course in the years which we hope remain. Perhaps Shabbat Chazon, the Sabbath of Envisioning, might encourage us to move in the direction of beginning to create our vision for the year ahead? This Shabbat marks less than eight weeks until Rosh HaShanah. Perhaps it is time to begin the process of introspection and reflection.
Where do you want to be next year at this time? What is your vision for the year that is about to begin? What do you need to set in place to make it happen? Now is the time to wake ourselves up, thinking about every area of our lives- our family, our health, our relationships, our work, our community. In our deepest vision for ourselves, where are we and where do we want to be?
In a world where so much of our time is consumed by others, it is really okay for us to set aside time to focus on ourselves. It’s okay to make yourself a priority in the coming weeks. As we approach the month of Elul and move ever closer to Rosh HaShanah, that is what this time is meant for. Make the time to focus on your goals and the details of how you will get from here to there. May this be a fulfilling journey.
SHABBAT SHALOM