"The Shema as a Safe Haven"
'Shema Yisrael Hashem Elokeinu Hashem Echad'
“Listen Israel, God is our God, God is One.”
When we say these words, we both close and cover our eyes so
that we are not deceived by what we see.
We try to focus on and listen to the voice of our soul,
to the soft voice of God calling us,
to what our open heart yearns and craves for.
In this week's parasha we learn about the fate of a person who
accidentally causes the death of another.
This 'negligent' murderer can flee to one of the 6 cities of refuge.
These cities have open doors and provide a safe haven since
no retribution can take place there.
.
In our lives we inevitably become distanced from God,
from the Source of life.
This disconnection is akin to an ‘accidental death.'
Just like the accidental murderer has a city of refuge to escape to,
we have the 'Shema' to run to.
The first sentence of 'Shema' has 6 words just like the 6 cities of refuge.
We can all have a personal and intimate relationship with God
and being connected to God is the safest ‘place’ to be.
Saying and concentrating on the words of the Shema is
a way for us to reaffirm the loving relationship with the Almighty
which we desire and yearn for.
This relationship is one which has the potential to give us a life without fear.
In addition, we have the Hebrew month of Elul
(which this year starts on September 2nd)
to run to.
Like the cities of refuge and the Shema,
Elul provides a place in time which is safe and where God is ‘close.’
In Elul the work is to return to who we really are, and
on creating an intimate relationship with our Creator,
who never abandons us and
is waiting with 'open arms' for us to return.
Let's recognize that God is close and
feel gratitude for that reality.
In both prayer and in the month of Elul
we have unique opportunities to intimately connect
to the Source of eternal life.
Shabbat shalom with much love
Elissa
Comments