#makingadifference #talkthetalk #walkthewalk #reiyah #masechetchagigah #dafyomi #talkingtalmud #siyum #yardaenaosband #annemiller #wordshavewings #sedermoed
The first section of Masechet Chagiga is about the Mitzvah called Re'iyah, or appearance. It informs the reader straightaway that there is no substitute for showing up on the three pilgrimage holidays. I have only included the very first words of the Masechet, because straight away the rabbis begin to discuss the many exceptions to this rule. (isn't life full of exceptions to rules???) I won't discuss the many exceptions here, but there is a full array of exceptions to the rule based on many factors.
To be seen is an important concept, especially now that we are so often seen through screens. Many of our actions are also taken through screens and phones. I believe that the concept of Re'iyah, being seen, means that sometimes you need to be seen in person. It means showing up, voting with your feet. It is hard not to see this poem through the lens of what is occurring now in The Ukraine where the concept of being seen is a life and death manner. So, with that in mind, this small poem, composed of only words, is dedicated to those who show up.
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And just like that, two years and three months have passed since the cycle of Daf Yomi began. The Siyum for Masechet Chagiga and for the entire volume of Moed (times) will be completed in a few days and a new volume will begin. As my teachers say, "The Daf does not wait for us," so we will begin Seder Nashim (the volume on Women) sometime soon.
I'll be reading this poem on Sunday at the Talking Talmud siyum on Zoom. If anyone wants the link, please let me know.
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May we always show up for each other.
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Sometimes you just have to be seen
It’s showing up
Bringing the casserole,
giving that hug,
lifting boxes,
fighting battles,
holding hands,
laughing and crying
together,
together,
together.
Giving of your strength,
silently or with a voice.
You are there.
You make a difference.
You care.
Sometimes you just have to be seen.
To have eyes upon you.
Your eyes on others.
It’s going to the rally.
It's defending.
It's fighting.
It's going forward
instead of hiding.
Your voice loud and strong.
It’s making the time.
It's making the space.
It's making a statement.
It’s more than just
sending an email,
tapping a text,
leaving a voicemail,
reading a column.
It’s face to face
eye to eye,
ear to ear,
shoulder to shoulder,
voice to voice.
Using your strength
to climb that mountain,
to swim that ocean,
to dig that ditch,
to fight for what is right.
To be seen is
to walk the walk,
not to talk the talk.
It’s getting off the couch.
It's daring to do
more than you know you can.
To be seen is where
dreams become reality,
and even if that reality
becomes a nightmare.
To be seen is
to do it together.
Thoughts to actions,
actions to change.
Never underestimate
the power
of being seen.
Together.
Together.
Together.
