The Season of Healing
The Hebrew month of Elul is a time for introspection and self-assessment in anticipation of repentance, forgiveness, thanksgiving and rejoicing. This rhythm binds who we are now to who we will become. It frees us from everything that holds us back, everything that keeps us down. It frees us to amend our ways and to return to each other and to G-d with a new heart. It is a season of healing.
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The Season of Healing
This is the season of healing:
Of healing our hearts and minds,
Of healing the moments we share with each other
And the moments we share with ourselves.
This is the season of memory:
Of remembering our parents and grandparents,
The love of generations,
The holiness of our ancestors.
This is the season of stillness,
The season of silence and quiet:
Of deep breaths,
Of open eyes,
Of compassion and consolation.
This is the season of healing:
The season of grief turning to wonder,
Of loss turning toward hope,
The season that binds this year to the next,
The season that frees this year from the next,
The season that heralds the redemption of spirit
And our return to G-d’s Holy Word.
© 2010 Alden Solovy and http://www.tobendlight.com. All rights reserved.
Postscript: Here’s a link to other prayers for the Yamim Noraim, the High Holy Days.
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Alden, this prayer is lovely. I particularly enjoyed the link to this season, the period before the high holidays, but also the general calling to healing on many levels. Thank you once again.
Thank you. So beautifully written.
Thanks Keeva.