Cheshvan - a month with no holidays; why?
Although across the world, 2020 is for sure a year not likely to be forgotten - for us here in Israel, it has taken on an additional meaning. During almost every holiday this year, we have been in full-blown Lockdowns - either #1 or #2...we have been barred from having family or friends celebrate with us. It has been THE strangest of holidays...singing from our terrace/balconies during the Pesah Seder, Yom Ha'Atzmaut (Independence Day) without mass gatherings, Yom Kippur where everyone was encouraged to stay home and Sukkot - with no guests allowed into your Sukkah. But, there were still holidays - something to prepare for and to at least try to enjoy and feel the meaning of those special days.
But, it's now Cheshvan - without a single holiday or festival; and the question is: WHY? Let me lay it our for you as I see it now, when the entire earth is being shaken to its core. It isn't about what you believe the COVID-19 virus is, or isn't - I am talking about the state of the world today. Israel for instance, hasn't admitted any visitors since March - almost EIGHT full months - with no change on the immediate horizon. The last day I worked was March 5, 2020...with no ability to earn a single Shekel since then. But, while I sat, alone in my Sukkah - I felt a presence descend upon me...one that gave me the sense that the situation of the world wasn't MY issue to fix or even to focus upon. That the world and its turmoil is in the hands of HaShem (God). But, I was given the sense that I needed to get 'ready' and that this was a time of preparation.
Shortly before Sukkot, I read something that only resonated with me once I was alone in my Sukkah and had that 'experience.' It's said that upon his release from prison, Nelson Mandela was asked how it was possible that he survived all those 27 years in prison. Mandela is reported to have replied: "Survive? I wasn't surviving, I was PREPARING." We are to be using this time of 'suspended animation' that much of the world is currently in to PREPARE. And THAT is why we have no holidays now - no distractions, nothing to plan for, nothing to regret not being able to invite people for - NO DISTRACTIONS. We are to be preparing. Okay, but, "Preparing?!?" - for what?
We need to focus on OUR priorities (while letting God be God...) and WORK for the Restoration. The Restoration & Reconciliation of Judah & Ephraim, based upon Mutual Respect. And even those living under restrictions right now can and NEED TO continue this holy work. Have you adopted and organization or community in Israel that you (and your congregations, friends & family) can help support? Are you saving to come to Israel as soon as the doors open? Have you contacted Mike Clayton and I about our unique Connect to Israel Experience? Or, were you just thinking of coming to Israel and hanging out at the beaches and bars of Tel Aviv? Speaking of Mike - have you contacted him to invite him to your group (joinedtohashem.org)? He's in the US - he can get to you now - but do you really WANT to hear the truth? Are you PREPARED to hear it?
Once the issues of Lockdowns and quarantines (on either side of the Atlantic) are over, I will be returning to the US to deliver a powerful message to my brothers and sisters. Will you help host me, or ask others to? Or, is the issue of Mutual Respect just a 'bridge too far' for some - even now, when we are ALL running out of time? We should be preparing NOW for what we need to be doing - not just hunkering down, waiting for it to all be over. The sun WILL rise again the day after the US elections, just as it will when we in Israel (likely) head to new elections, once again in a few months. Stop waiting for the 'genie' to pop out of the lamp - DO SOMETHING now and be prepared to DO MORE.
WE have been called, "...for such a time as this..." But, are YOU preparing? Will you be prepared?
With love & hugs from Modi'in - home of the Maccabees
Hanoch
