Earth Etude for Elul 7 - Our Last Elul?

by Judith Felsen, Ph.D. 

If this were our last Elul

might we see a different world?

On the verge of our demise

would each spark of nature

sent by You remind us

of Your light we are?

In these days of hidden peace

do we know we are Your kin

together in the field?

In darkest times does not

the moon and sun still shine on us?

Today may  elements of earth  be  manna,

all reminders of divine connection

and Your care through deserts now.

This Elul may we see You within all shadow

and not be blinded by our darker nature.

May we not only see Your back

but  perceive that challenges

call forth our strengths and vitalize commitment.

In days of Elul sparks may be revived

as we apply Your lessons of our past,

each ancestors’ descent  

a teaching of divine decree.

Each year You met us in the field,

we  greet You there  today

with pain and fear and open hearts

connected in Your sparks divine and destined

ready to go forth in prayer and in our bond with You

as nature witnesses and chants

O Israel we are One

and

Yes we can.

 © Judith Felsen, Ph.D.

Judith Felsen holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, certificates in hypnotherapy, NLP, Eriksonian Hypnosis, and Sacred Plant Medicine. She is a poetess, consultant, creator of collaborative integrative programs involving  nature, Judaism and the arts,  daily student of Torah, sacred texts and various teachers particularly the Baal Shem Tov and Chassidus, sacred circle dancer and an avid kitchen worker. She enjoys sharing studies, all of the outdoors, the garden, harvesting, prepping ,walking, hiking, running, meditating and conversing with the earth. She serves on the board of the Bethlehem Hebrew Congregation, Neskaya Center for Movement Arts, and the Mount Washington Valley Chavurah.  She lives in the White Mountains with her husband, two large dogs and thenative community of the surrounding forest.