84 - Rosh Chodesh Iyar

Two friends, Beth and Bonnie, and I got together last week to begin to study - Psalms! My secret is that I am not well versed in Biblical psalms, even though I seem to be able to write new ones. Our first study session was a little disjointed. Now we have decided on the text we will use - the Soncino translation - and have given ourselves a first assignment before we meet again.

It seems the perfect way to begin the spring month of Iyar. Pesach is past. Released into freedom, we have the opportunity for new explorations. What a joy it is to sit and study with two intelligent women. What a joy to explore this most beautiful of texts, the compendium of human emotion, the songs of hope and longing.

Eighty-Four

Rosh Chodesh Iyar

In the long walk of spring,
You take us toward our obligations,
Sudden chill rains reminding us
Of intangible warmth at this season.

Awaken us, O Eternal to burgeoning wisdom,
To tasks we will learn to perform.
Awaken our hearts to sing to You
The melodies that our people are creating.

In the long walk of spring,
Turn our eyes to one another,
Clearing the path ahead, steadying us
As we walk toward matured beginnings.

You have taken us from slavery to new destinies,
Even as You reawaken the earth to growing;
You have started us on a righteous path,
Even as You challenge us with new duties.

Awaken us, O Eternal, to Iyar,
The month beyond beginnings,
The month of learning and telling,
The month of new discoveries.