Tyler’s Torah Thoughts for 3 Tishri, 5784
It is the “Days of Repentance” – the time between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur (which happens Sunday at sundown).
Now that we have entered into this time – where we have made the decision that our year ahead will be with Hashem as King within – it’s time to search our lives to see where we may need to “bow down” in the name of love.
Kings can be oppressive – but this is not the King within. If Love is King within our hearts – then we need to ask ourselves this week – what have we been navigating that takes us away from loving the Neshama within? Where can we be self-compassionate to ourselves (our Neshama)? Where can we be self-empathetic to ourselves? Where can we better trust ourselves?
The choice to submit – or be submissive (and make no doubt it is a choice) is powerful. We often see it as weak – because our society tells us that those with power are strong and those who choose to submit are weak.
But this is why – this is not a “one time” thing. It’s daily. We can CHOOSE not to submit – and that is the very heart of love. That we have choice. We can say “no.”
When we say “yes?” Magic happens. Connection happens. The universe unfolds in front of us to provide us abundance, compassion, and matter.
When we say “no?” That is when our ego gets in our own way.
And that? Is the theme of today’s Torah portion – as we spend MORE time in Ha’Azinu – which means “listen.”
A week ago I wrote this – and I think it is even more salient now:
“Listen” to the song of our hearts. As we repent and search out within us – what is holding us back? What is keeping us “stuck?”
This is the work of love we can do in this moment.
What are your thoughts?
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