something of added value. The psalmist reminds us, Teach us to number our days so that we may attain a heart of wisdom (Psalms, 90:12). Being intentional about time, particularly our time on this earth, and how we spend it, grows our heart, the place of generosity and, in Judaism, the seat of wisdom. Making the most of our time (not the same as filling every moment with activity) elevates our sense of gratitude and receptivity to blessing.
This month's blessing honors this stance in the world. Said right when we wake from sleep in the morning, modeh ani reminds us that facing the new day with gratitude sets us up for action in the world. Modeh/modah ani l'fanecha melekh hai v'kayam she'he'hezarta bi nishmati b'hemla rabbah emunatekha --Thank you! I am grateful sovereign of life and endurance that you restored my soul within me in abundant compassion and faith. Now, let me be ready to re-enter the world and own my life. As I continue to mourn my mother's unexpected death, I am cognizant that each breath is a gift to be noticed and honored. Each waking from sleep offers opportunity and potential for us to grasp onto blessing and enliven ourselves as long as we are gifted with breath. This month, allow your gratitude to propel you towards causes that foster change in the world and move you towards action.
Earlier this week, Amnesty International UK released a report that named Israel an apartheid state, committed to upholding Jewish domination. New York Jewish Community Organizations, including the New York Board of Rabbis of which I am a part, issued an important joint statement rejecting this egregious attack and attempt to delegitimize Israel. As the statement reads, Peace between Israelis and Palestinians can only be built upon a strong foundation of trust and mutual understanding. Amnesty UK's agenda-driven anti-Israel screed and deliberate distortion of facts should be rejected by those committed to Israel's well-being, to the rights of Palestinians, and to a future of peace between Israelis and Palestinians. Find the statement in its entirety here.
Last week, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett suggested that the long delayed Kotel Agreement to formally establish an egalitarian prayer plaza at the Western Wall would not be implemented by this current government. This sad and frustrating lack of commitment to pluralism and established agreement (2016!) arrives in this extra month of Adar, another opportunity to make change. I invite you to join Jews around the country in writing to Israeli Ambassador to the United States, Mike Herzog at cos@washington.mfa.gov.il Include your name and a statement of the importance of the Kotel Agreement as promised. Find language and messaging to use in this statement signed by representatives of many arms of our Conservative/Masorti Movement, including our own Saul Sanders, as Chair of the Schechter Institutes in Israel. Read the statement in its entirety here.
The significant month of Adar Rishon will offer opportunity, expected and unexpected, to help right the universe and honor humanity. Open to what arises before you and bring blessing into the world. One reminder about how we remember and bless the memory our loved ones who passed into the next world during Adar at this time.
If a loved one died in a year with only one Adar, yahrzeit is observed in Adar I when there are 2 months of Adar. Some observe in both Adar I and Adar II. When a loved one dies in Adar I of a leap year (like this year!), yahrzeit is observed in Adar when only one month of Adar (because when else would you observe it!) and Adar I in a year with Adar I and Adar II. When someone dies in Adar II, observe yahrzeit in Adar II when you have the chance, like this year, and in Adar when there is only one month of Adar.
May this extra month plant seeds of blessing and potential.
Shabbat Shalom
rg
