Close to 28 weeks ago, not long after we entered lock-down, I placed a shoe on the window sill. In an attempt to create interactive experiences on zoom, my daughter's teachers planned a scavenger hunt for the students. Each had to bring a few things from the list to their session. This high heeled shoe came down from the closet shelf and into the living room. It has remained there ever since. I notice it most often as I daven the Amidah on Shabbat, a party shoe looking out at the world while I'm inside connecting to my ancestors who walked in all kinds of shoes - and
sometimes none. That shoe, a sign of bygone days, reminds me of the places I've walked, the ground I've covered and the power of movement.
This week's parasha, Ha'azinu describes Gd as a rock/tzur (Deut. 32:4) a place of refuge and strength. Particularly in these times, we want to know the ground beneath us is secure and that we have support to find our footing. While it may be tempting to stay put completely, our job is to walk in the world and walk through the world. It is not just with our hands that we create change but with our feet as well. Walking can be a means of blessing our potential. CLICK HERE to find a 16-minute walking meditation to use following Tashlich, and any time. It even works in a small NYC apartment!
As I watched the beautiful memorial for Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on Wednesday, during these 10 days of T'shuvah, and the stunning formation of over 100 of her former law clerks who came to honor their guide and teacher, I strangely noticed people's shoes, all (at least all I saw) low heeled. I began to wonder what kind of shoes the Justice wore. I imagine she chose what would best support long hours of grueling work towards justice. I know she wore sneakers for her regular workouts to keep her body in shape. Whatever foot covering we choose for ourselves, let it be one that helps us step forward from our truest self, with integrity, confidence, strength and love.
Shabbat Shalom, rg
Congregation Habonim 103 West End Ave New York, NY 10023
