During these strange pandemic times, we don't have our usual routines to mark the days. Now in the second month of staying at home, the days start to seem all the same. How fortunate that our tradition has a system of calendars that note each day's uniqueness. Why is this night different from all other nights? was the iconic question we answered recently during the Seder. We mark with welcoming rituals the difference of Shabbat from all the other days, and then Havdalah marks our re-entry into "regular" time.
We journey through Torah each year using a calendar that determines what parsha we will read each week. This week, the parsha Tazria/Metzora is so apt as it deals with confinement, quarantine, contamination, and purification, all of which have been in sharp focus as we stay at home, wiping down our groceries and doorknobs. The rules for confinement related to childbirth are spelled out as we contemplate what new world is being born from this shared experience. The value of times of separation and of understanding the best path to re-integration with the community are discussed, as we are reminded of the ancient history of social distancing as an intentional practice.
Our tradition's timekeeping also tracks the moon, and we are at Rosh Chodesh Iyar, the new moon of Iyar. The name of the month is related to the Hebrew word or, meaning light. As the days lengthen during this moon cycle, we enjoy more light each day. We welcome the new moon with song and praise, growing our spiritual light.
As the moon waxes and wanes, we will also continue to count the Omer. Mapping the seven weeks between Passover and Shavuot, the Omer count assigns seven essential qualities so that every day has its unique tone. This week our theme is Tiferet: Balance, Beauty, Harmony. This Shabbat will be the day of Gevurah she b'Tiferet (Discernment within Harmony), showing us how our ritual and other practices can help us maintain our balance and walk in beauty during such non-normal times.
So, if you find yourself asking more often, "What day is this?" know that there are many ways to answer that question. This evening we will welcome Shabbat Tazria/Metzora with chanting in community via Zoom. Join us as we enter into the time zones of Shabbat and Iyar and count the Omer, moving together in our shared present moment.