It’s that time of the year. Being the first day of Nissan one might expect I am talking about the High Holidays, but we all know I like to be different. It’s migration time. As we enter a new cycle of the Jewish year, the birds too have entered a new cycle as they begin to head south for the winter. Now, if you are an ornithological geek (bird watcher) you already know that Israel is one of the best places in the world to see birds in migration. Twice a year 500 million birds fly between Europe/Asia and Africa. Yes. Half. A. Billion. Birds. Twice each year.
The Hula Valley in the north and Eilat in the south are favorite destinations along this bottleneck migration route to see all of your favorite friends. For most of these birds, the importance of Israel as a feeding ground can not be overstated. When heading south, Israel is the final feeding spot until the Sahara desert, five days away. On their way North, we are the first diner open for business after that five day flight. This has created many legends in Israel’s history but that is for another time.
One of my favorite migratory birds is the crane. For days on end they can be seen flying in their traditional “V” formation toward the Hula Valley to rest and refuel. They fill the surrounding fields with their flutters and honks as they jockey for the best feeding grounds. But the “me first” attitude changes as the sun sets each evening. Slowly, family groupings begin to lift off from their feeding grounds and head toward the safety of the water for the night. Soon, thousands of cranes have taken flight, momentarily filling the sky with darkness as they head toward the safety of communal sleep.
Birds flock together. As a community they migrate hundreds of miles feeling the presence of others moving alongside during their heavenward “V.” When the bird at the front gets tired, she moves to the rear of the formation where the wind drag is lowest, and another takes her place. When they are done for the day, together in safety and comfort they feed and sleep to once again begin the journey in the morning.
We may not fly, nor walk in a “V,” but like the birds, when we feel the strength of others moving alongside of us, there is little we cannot accomplish. We are encouraged and supported in our times of need and in turn support others along when they need. After months of uncertainty, fear, and social distancing, our need for the presence and support of community has not diminished. Perhaps it has even increased. We have done wonders but let us not abandon our own “V,” our community.
In Israel and in America community often means synagogue. They are the extension of the Jewish life in our home. They are the places we turn toward for love and nurturing in times of need and for celebration in the times of joy. Those communities consist of the people who call to check in on us, show up with a meal, or take our kids providing an afternoon of quiet. The value of our communities is not measured only in programming, services, learning, and education – those we have figured out how to do on-line. Their value is also knowing that the support we need is right there on our wing.
As we head into the fall, we need the support of each other more than ever. In a year with so many unknowns, when we still do not know what the High Holidays will look like, when we are stressed, disappointed and struggling, our communities can be our sacred space. As we draw closer to Rosh HaShanah they are the places that guide us in our learning and performing of Tshuva, Tfilla and Tzedekah. Where values and ethics are discussed in a place of kindness. Even if only virtually, Synagogues and community bring us together in sacredness. And like all sacredness, unless it is cared for and supported (time, financially, etc) it will fade.
When Rabbi Hillel taught, “Do not separate yourself from the community” (Pirke Avot 2:5), he reminded us that each of us is responsible for our community. It is precisely those times when we do not feel the need for community that we are needed. Our strength can support others and ensure that our communities continue to thrive. Do you remember ‘cooler conversations?’ When employees would gather around the water cooler and simply chat and check in for a few minutes before returning to their work? We never appreciated the full power of those simple interactions to brighten our day, until they were gone.
With so many activities remaining on line and the likelihood that the workforce will continue to transfer to remote working, will will continue to encounter loneliness. It is more important in that loneliness that our communities remain a place of gathering – virtually, and in person. A place where we can lead the “V” and know that when our wings are tired someone will be there to take the lead. A place we continue to support so that it remains strong and vibrant and where together we celebrate with family and friends.
As we enter the High Holidays I wish for each of us the blessings of community shared and strengthened. Shana Tova u’Metuka.