Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan
[Originally posted on Instagram]
It feels particularly striking to enter the month of Cheshvan during these times of blatant genocide playing out for the world to see.
Cheshvan, a month of darkness, deep sadness, and bitterness.
But as Kabbalists teach us, “the greatest potential for light comes from darkness.” This has always been the time to remain steadfast and committed, in the midst of darkness. Now is the time to remain dedicated to the struggle for liberation.
Cheshvan is a month that reflects back to us the darkness and grief we are seeing and feeling as Israel continues the Nakba on Palestinians and takes precious lives, all in the name of zionism and white supremacy.
It is easy to feel helpless and hopeless, but we know that the struggle for liberation demands our fullest hearts.
In the same way that during Cheshvan, Noah had hope in G-d throughout the great flood and trusted in a future free from violence, we must remind ourselves there is a future where Palestine is liberated, where Jewish people are liberated, where all oppressed peoples across the globe are liberated, and western/white supremacist forces lose their power.
It is important to note that Cheshvan centers the power of water, as a conduit and a vehicle for change, as Palestinians are being denied access to water as a tool of genocide. It may be hard for some of us to understand what it means to not be able to access water, while Palestinians in Gaza are left without.
We beg you, during this month of bitterness and water, to demand Israel stop this genocide. Like water, we must carve a new path. It is possible.
Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan Journal Prompts
How can you rest during this time in order to allow yourself to continue fighting for justice?
Which zionists in your life could you challenge yourself to have difficult conversations with around this genocide?
Have you called or emailed your representatives to demand the US stop funding this genocide? Have you shared news from Gaza today? If able, have you gone out to protest?
What parts of yourself are you grappling with during this time? What is coming to light?
How does your community hold you in difficult times?
