Earth Etude for Elul 29 - Elul Unmasked

by Judith Felsen, Ph.D.
 
In rendezvous with You
dare I reveal, 
express the self
behind the mask,
the one not dressed in Yom Tov finery,
but quarantined instead in tattered garb,
clutching remnants of protection
combat refugee within and out,
who journeyed through the year 
bracing challenge, tasks You offered?
 
Might I share my truth, not wishful fantasy,
my doubt, uncertainty and fear,
brokenness and grief,
contained in fragile self 
sustained by You, 
deprived externals
nourished by Your hidden sparks
embedded in each tear?
 
Might I share in darkness 
impetus for sight otherwise unseen
ex nihilo 
path to see true self
no blocks, defenses,
broken, open, transformation
of perception
struggle birthing vision 
You arise to meet me
when barriers are whittled down
 
This rendezvous with You
adversity has left me broken, 
open hearted seeking, 
seeing You 
this year of Torah journey cracked the walls, 
the light is there
as I see You in all 
 
In the field this year 
I am unmasked 
we are One
 

© J.Felsen, Ph.D. 8/10/20

Judith Felsen, Ph.D. is a N.Y.S. Licensed Clinical Psychologist who resides in Bartlett, N.H. at the edge of the White Mt. National Forest. Judith is a lover of and advocate for nature and all life, a hiker, walker, dancer, meditator, poetess, volunteer, gardener, wife and dog mother of two rescue dogs. She offers consulting upon request and spends time practicing and studying various treatment and healing modalities. She is on the board of the Bethlehem Hebrew Congregation, the Mt. Washington Valley Havurah and Neskaya Center for Movement Arts. Since Covid-19 Judith and Jack, her husband, have lived in Long Beach, New York where she practices, walks the beach, boardwalk and delights in the garden Jack cultivated. Judith participates in virtual services and is active in the Jewish community of both New Hampshire and New York. This year, Judith and her husband were awarded the JFNH Shem Tov Award for work on Holocaust and Genocide Education, related studies and offerings to the public and other organizations and audiences. Judith and Jack are second generation survivors and work to enhance the end of genocide for all.