“All is Not Lost”*
The New Year 5782
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No wonder I’m exhausted.
That’s a lot of years.
Wait. I haven’t been alive for all of them.
Or have I?
Truly, how many lifetimes have been squashed into this one?
Do you feel that as you look back on your life?
Feeling pretty bummed out, dog-bites and all (see last week’s blog, right below this), somewhat pissed at Life Itself, Nik the Dog and I went to Couch Temple.
Couch-Temple has worked for me, well before Covid instilled in me the Terror of Others. Not having to park, manage crowds of eager Jews scurrying for seats during the High Holy Days, a few years back I discovered Central Synagogue in NYC, that magically and generously arrived at my couch.
This year I brought to the service a kind of—pissed-off—go–ahead—touch—me—I–dare–you–ness. The beginning of the service almost annoyed me. There was a jolliness I was sensing in the rabbis that did not support my commitment to my own gloom. Although hearing the same liturgy which always opens my heart, I was hunkered down inside my mood of constriction and resentment.
And then it all changed. I will share, down below, the third link, what changed me.
More about that in a moment.
First, layers of inspiration for us, all.
~~~
In a week of such grumpiness, I have been given three points of inspiration that have truly touched me, shifted me, helped me. Here they are, life’s gifts to me, my gifts to us, for the celebration of 5782.
~~~
First, while sitting in Urgent Care the other day, waiting, (not an activity I do well), a friend sent on this perfect song. Here is Eva Cassidy, who I have never heard before, so stunning, so perfect a voice, too soon taken from us. Thanks, Denise:
Secondly, for fans of the dearest of dears, Mandy Patinkin—about love, a dog, ritual, and prayer. Check it out. Lovely:
Mandy Patinkin, Dog and Prayers
~~~
And finally, this has been the game-changer for me, Rabbi Angela Buchdahl’s sermon from Tuesday, the day of Rosh HaShana. Through the generosity of Central Synagogue, which is so committed to us, its virtual community, I am so grateful to share this with you.
It is about twenty minutes long. Stay with it, even if you listen in spurts. She lands it in the end, with amazing clarity, heart, and truth.
All is not Lost—We Return to the Stone
September 7, 2021
Rabbi Angela Buchdahl
Rosh HaShana, 5782
~~~
Dear Friends,
May this new year,
This new season,
This new moment
Hold us
In the arms
Of Grace.
May we recognize
The Grace
That is.
Blessings,
Aruni
~~~
*Title of Rabbi Buchdahl’s sermon from 9/7/21.