Annual Re-Creation

Each year the Torah goes back to Genesis from Deuteronomy, re-reading the narratives of creation – that of the world and that of the Israelite familial structure and seed of a future nation. As a new season begins, many of us appreciate the opportunity for reflection and review, resetting and renewal. We begin this new cycle of creation alongside our Torah, repeating our origin and formation stories even while hoping to write new chapters. Just like the characters introduced in Genesis, we know that our lives cannot be fully led in a paradise, and that many obstacles will come our way – but rather than seeking perfection, perhaps we are seeking relational closeness, directed knowledge, adventure, wisdom through experience and listening.

In 5786, we also have the opportunity to create, again. There are so many avenues for creation: art, relationships, space, ideas, events, work, rituals, habits, sustenance, charity, shelter. How will we use that spark, impulse, need within us to ideate, contribute, add value, follow curiosity? How will we look out for each other in order to better the world through mutual creative efforts?