She CallsTo Me
- Leann Shamash
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
This week we read two Parshiyot to complete the book of Vayikra. Behar and Bechukotai are uncomfortably paired to deliver a powerful lesson as we leave the "Book of the Kohanim" behind. The book concludes with a demand to let the land rest every seven years, followed by a special fiftieth year involving not only agricultural rest but the release of slaves and debts.
This section is followed by a short list of blessings for keeping the commandments and a terrifying list of curses for breaking them. In particular, the text warns that if the land is not given its proper rest, those who take advantage of it will be forced out.
As someone with a lifelong passion for gardening, I find this connection to the soil deeply resonant. The land I speak of is not just "The Land," but any earth used to sustain us. While I romanticize the soil in the post below, the message of Parshat Behar is real—whether one tends a farm in Israel or a backyard garden. We must respect this silent entity that endures our planting and even our neglect year after year.
This post is written with love for the earth and respect for its ability to cradle so much in its wide embrace. It gives and gives, and it is incumbent upon us to give back and to see the land as the backdrop to our flowers and plants. As the gardening season commences and we complete Sefer Vayikra, I wish you Shabbatot of plenty.
Leann
She Calls to Me
On the cusp of spring,
as the Pink Moon appears, The Land calls to me.
“Come to me,” she invites.
“Come and plant seeds in me, that they may grow.”
Come and explore the richness built over years,
as roots weave within my hidden tapestry.
See the insects as they slowly find their way.
Watch as birds explore me, tickling me as they seek their breakfasts.
Can you find the seeds that have slept sheltered in my folds?
Come, my friend, sit on your knees among the plants that grow from me,
for they are survivors and are strong.
Hold me in your hands and feel the potential of growth unfold.
I am The Land.
**
In the late summer, as The Sturgeon Moon shimmers above,
The Land invites me.
"Come," she sings softly.
"Come and see what grows from me!"
"Observe how my children grow!
Some have tendrils that reach for the sky
while some crouch low to the earth.
Some grow fat with fruit and others go to seed.
All are my children and each is different.
How they fill my days!"
Come, touch them, inhale their scents!
marvel at their varied forms,
all emerging from my depths
I care for many.
I am a mother watching her children grow and prosper.
**
In the early autumn, under The Harvest Moon,
The Land beckons to me.
She is heavy now and sometimes thirsts.
"Come," she cries!
See what my children have done!
Taste, taste!
Let their juices drip down your chin.
Harvest them, care for them, for colder days will come.
Admire that which grows from me,
for I am The Basket which holds plenty.
I am a mother and I am proud.
**
In the late autumn, under the Beaver Moon,
The Land whispers to me and she proudly admits,
"My friend, I grow weary.
The days are shorter and the nights colder.
I feel the trembling of the plants in the wind.
Their leaves grow brittle.
Their stems snap.
The insects burrow and seek rest.
The winds grow colder and slowly the plants die,
finding their peace in sweet slumber,
but they have left their seed to rest in my hiding places.
I am ready to sleep,
but fear not
as winter approaches, I am not afraid.
The leaves are my blanket and soon the snow and the rains will cover me
and I will rest. "
I am a mother and I have done my best,
as the sweet sleep of the winter has arrived,
I bid you good night, my children.
This image of the moon taken from Wix Images
וּבַשָּׁנָ֣ה הַשְּׁבִיעִ֗ת שַׁבַּ֤ת שַׁבָּתוֹן֙ יִהְיֶ֣ה
לָאָ֔רֶץ שַׁבָּ֖ת לַיהֹוָ֑ה שָֽׂדְךָ֙ לֹ֣א תִזְרָ֔ע
וְכַרְמְךָ֖ לֹ֥א תִזְמֹֽר׃
But in the seventh year the land shall have a sabbath
of complete rest, a sabbath of GOD: you shall not
sow your field or prune your vineyard.
Leviticus 25:4
I loved this! Imagery and concept🥰
beautiful photos!