Last week we marked Rosh Hodesh Cheshvan, the new month of Cheshvan. Some call this month Mar Cheshvan, bitter cheshvan. After the frenetic pace of Tishri with four major Jewish holidays, Cheshvan has no additional holidays. Just Shabbat. So the month seems bitter. I would argue differently.
A group of us met on Wednesday night to talk about Cheshvan and our expectations for the month. Each month has a theme or a motif. Kislev is about light and rededication, Adar is about survival and finding your own voice, Nissan is about freedom. What is unique about Cheshvan?
For most of the people gathered, Cheshvan is a pause, a chance to catch our breaths, to allow the messages and the deep thinking of Tishri to sink in, to find balance. We talked about the importance of rocks and anchors. I talked about Balance Rock in Bar Harbor and how it perches precariously on the side of South Bubble Mountain. No matter how hard people try, it can not be pushed off. Entire football teams have tried. It reminds me to remain balanced.
But how do we take these experiences back into our regular world–whether it is the experience of the High Holidays, or the quiet of Shabbat, or a trip up Bubble Mountain. How do we achieve that balance. I tried bringing a rock in the shape of a heart made out of Cadillac granite back from Bar Harbor. It was a concrete reminder of trying to achieve that balance. Others have used the Star of David. Put the thing you value most in the center. In each of the six corners write something else important. Mine might be G-d, Torah, Israel, family, work, self. Then try every day to do at least one thing in each category.
It is interesting to me–and we didn’t get there in the discussion–another name for G-d is Tzur. Tzur Yisrael, Rock of Israel. Ma’oz Tzur. Rock of Ages. Perhaps that is because a Rock is so strong and so everlasting. But maybe, just maybe, it is because the Rock provides the balance we need in Cheshvan.
Mar Cheshvan? Not for me. I found the discussion to be illuminating and energizing. I hope the others did as well.
Rabbi, thank you for this lovely reminder of balance in my life. I have been metaphorically rollerblading since High Holidays. Your post was a wonderfully helpful reminder. I love the idea of the 6 points of the Star of David. I am going to take some time contemplate the significant points of balance for my life. Jordan and I are off to Philadelphia to see the premier musical performance/adaptation of my children’s book, “Princess Shayna’s Invisible Visible Gift”.
How exciting. Enjoy the trip.
I enjoyed our discussion about Mar Cheshvan.
Yasher Koach!