This week we can see the comet Neowise without the aid of expensive equipment.
It is visible to the naked eye. It is a comet that has a 6800-year orbit, so I suggest we all go out and see it. When we see a comet there is a blessing we say:
Baruch Atah Adonay, Eloheinu Melech HaOlam, osseh ma’asseh vereshit.
Blessed are You, Eternal our God Sovereign of the universe, who creates the mystery of creation.
As we see lightning, comets, volcanoes, etc. we bless God for these amazing experiences, the marvel that is this world in which we live. Acknowledging that these are amazing things is a good start to the process of imbuing our everyday with an appreciation for the things that happen in our planet. Every day we can be moved by the beauty, the power, the awesomeness of the world. I know that sometimes I miss these opportunities for wonder, the beautiful fleeting moments that pepper my everyday life because I fail to take the time to recognize them, engrossed in other activities, rushing from place to place. Saying a blessing forces me to stop and be present in the moment, allowing my whole self to immerse in the mystery of creation.
In the Jewish calendar, we are now in the second of the three weeks of admonition. These are the three weeks that go from the 17th day of the month of Tammuz to the 9th day of the month of Av. In the 17th day of the month of Tammuz the Roman army was able to breach the walls of Jerusalem, which resulted in the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem on the 9th day of the month of Av in the year 70 C.E. As we enter the second week of admonition, I think the warning we are receiving this year is to stop and mindfully enjoy the mystery of creation. Living with the mystery means that we are aware of natural resources, that we do not waste what can be reused and recycled, and we instill in ourselves and in others the feeling of appreciation. Acknowledging through a blessing propels us to be conscious of the gifts we receive and maintain the Eternal’s earth and its fullness (Psalm 24). There are many ways we can contribute to maintaining creation: not wasting food, aiming to reduce our carbon footprint, conserving water, curbing excessive acquiring of material goods. These goals are easier to accomplish when we include in our lives the discipline of prayer, and meditation.
This week, we are starting a new program, a weekly meditation on Friday at 8:00 am to help us prepare spiritually for Shabbat. The goal is to increase our mindfulness as we prepare to encounter Shabbat, the day in which we cease to be masters over creation and enjoy the blessings of being one with creation.
I hope that you will join me every Friday for the JILLI Facebook Live! And if you prefer to wake up a little later, it will be available as a video in the Facebook page. Please like the JILLI Facebook page!
Visit the Events page to get information on our upcoming class that begins on August 6th. We will be studying the Book of Samuel I.