This week, after leaving the weekly parshiyot behind for the Passover holidays, we will read Parshat Acharei Mot. Acharei Mot, meaning Following the Death (of Aaron's two sons), brings us from the Seder table in the month of Nisan to a description of the actions of the Kohen on Yom Kippur in the month of Tishrei. What an interesting time to read about Yom Kippur, as the trees are leafing! Spring, in the month of Nisan, marks midway mark between autumns. The promises we made on Yom Kippur were half a year ago. Where are they now? Are we living up to the promises we made to ourselves?
A note of explanation for this short poem...April's moon is known as The Pink Moon and September's moon is known as The Harvest Moon.
Here we are, six months after Tishrei, and we are still waiting for good news. May we hear good news soon.
Leann
Pink Moon
Six months later,
the bright Harvest Moon of Tishrei
silently beckons toward the waning Pink Moon of Nisan,
as we emerge from the narrow straits
and blink newly freed eyes,
and re-examine
our redeemed selves.
For we are slaves no more.
Do we swim or float in this warm liminal space?
Have we left our promises far behind in Tishrei?
Who are we as the Pink Moon wanes,
this mid point between spring and autumn,
between promise and action?
Who are we? מה חיינו ?
Oh, closed gates of heaven
recall our Tishrei promises.
Remind us to rise to our highest intentions,
as the Pink Moon slowly fades in the deep blues of early dawn
and we embrace the approaching warmth of summer.
There is nothing like the now
to create the actions of tomorrow.
כִּֽי־בַיּ֥וֹם הַזֶּ֛ה יְכַפֵּ֥ר עֲלֵיכֶ֖ם לְטַהֵ֣ר אֶתְכֶ֑ם מִכֹּל֙ חַטֹּ֣אתֵיכֶ֔ם לִפְנֵ֥י יְהֹוָ֖ה תִּטְהָֽרוּ׃
For on this day atonement shall be made for you to purify you of all your sins; you shall be pure before יהוה.
Leviticus 16:30
For more thoughts on the intersection of Passover and Yom Kippur
יום כפור/ פסח
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