Tree pose

Rosh Chodesh tov!

It’s the last day in the month of Shevat and we stand on the brink of double Adar. Adar is the month of Purim, a time of increasing joy (Talmud Taanit 29a). In a leap year, we add an extra month of Adar (our twins were born in Adar II in 2014!).

I took this picture on Tu’bShevat, the birthday of the trees, the beginning of spring in Israel. The moment captured speaks to me still–the careful balance of tree pose, the strain and concentration required, combined with the hilarity of wonder and irreverence. We desperately need both, to hold the seemingly contradictory as one!

A teacher of mine quoted Rabbi Nachman of Bratzlav within the context of the recent trauma in Colleyville, when my colleague Rabbi Charlie and his congregants were held hostage. We might translate Rabbi Nachman this way: “The world is a narrow bridge. The most important thing–the essence of life– is not to be afraid.” And here is another way we can pray this timeless wisdom: Life is a narrow bridge–and amidst the fear, let sparks of joy arise in our hearts. This will allow the earth to rise under our feet.

As signs of spring’s joy emerge within the darkness of winter, I pray we find strength and purpose as we hold the balance. And amidst it all, may joy buoy our souls, as we seek healing within ourselves and the world.