Dear friends,
This past month at the ARK Centre has been full of incredible spirit.
From the echoing sounds of the Shofar, to the uplifting chants of Avinu Malkeinu sung with parched mouths on Yom Kippur, sitting in the Sukkah telling the story of our forefathers being saved in the desert to then dancing with tremendous joy on Simchat Torah. Tishrei has truly passed like a whirlwind.
I refer to this month as a whirlwind because it’s been full and packed with a vortex of reflection, emotion and renewal.
The High Holidays is a time of introspection, contemplation and prayer however now it is time to move on.
We are now entering the month of Cheshvan which signifies returning to daily life and schedule.
Cheshvan is the only Jewish month to not contain a Jewish holiday being as it is a month set aside for bringing down into practice any new positive decisions and resolutions of Tishrei into our lives and relationships.
It is customary in many synagogues for a member of the community to announce at the conclusion of Simchat Torah the phrase ‘Yaakov Halach LeDarko – And Jacob Went on His way. Ironically this phrase has always reminded of the song ‘Hit the Road Jack’ by Ray Charles.
Why?
Because just like in this moment we are traversing into the New Year of 5780 we take our experiences from Tishrei and the past year with us, ultimately utilizing them in ensuring we have truly a sweet and happy New Year.
It’s time to hit the road and unpack the goodies that we accumulated over these past Holidays.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Gabi
ARK Centre acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of this nation. We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands on which our organisation is located and where we conduct our activities. We pay our respects to ancestors and Elders, past, present and emerging. ARK Centre is committed to honouring Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ unique cultural and spiritual relationships to the land, waters and seas and their rich contribution to society.