Wholeness

The orchids in our kitchen have blossomed during the month of Elul. As the days approached the New Year, I found myself pausing to look at these beauties, each one examples of simple unfolding elegance. They seem to shimmer with joy! The blossoms observe our daily coffee cups steaming with promise, the ding of the toaster, butter slathered on crisp bread, our hollers to bring dishes to the sink, the bursts of laughter and arguments, practicing High Holy day melodies while cleaning pans and glasses, tears over the twists and turns of pandemic living.

One morning it occurred to me that I should count the number of blossoms on the arching stem. Seven. Seven represents wholeness in Judaism. Shabbat, the seventh day. The seventh sabbatical year. Seven circles to begin a wedding. And so on. What a powerful reminder for 5782, I thought. Wholeness amidst all the heartache. Wholeness amidst shattering realities—freedoms lost, a society torn. The orchids stand, as nature does, for all that is woven together, systems bound by connection and growth.

May nature’s timeless Divine message remind us of all that is possible—healing, beauty, wholeness—with each day we are blessed to live on this earth.