Look Both Ways Before Crossing!

As we cross from 5774 to 5775, the Akeida (the Binding of Isaac, which is traditionally read on Rosh Hashanah) tells us to look both ways so we can perceive the fullness of our reality.

As he looked up, Abraham saw the place from afar (Genesis 22:4)—three days before, God commanded Abraham to offer his son as a burnt offering on a mountain.  Even though he is still far away, the moment Abraham sees the mountain he begins to anticipate his grief. He doesn’t raise his eyes again for a long time.

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Adam LavittRosh Hashanah, Abraham, akeida, negativity bias, gratitude, mindfulness
Commanded to Dis/Connect

A few weeks ago, I celebrated the marriage of two dear friends.  Along with the biological and chosen families of the bride and groom, I spent the weekend at a rustic campsite in the Oregon woods. To set the tone for this magical weekend, the couple requested that we not bring our phones into public spaces. Seeing this invitation, I decided to use the weekend as an opportunity to turn off my iPhone for the three days I was in the woods.

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Adam Lavittwedding, unplug, technology, mitzvah, connection, mindfulness
Lore

They will rasp
like some
         dying in bed--
and choose motion and pause
like divining shells. You

will foot through the dusk's wing
of purple pines, and eye
the white flares of tails:

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Adam Lavittautumn, sacred, beginning, ending