Elul 14 ~ Rabbi Becky Silverstein

As 5780 approaches, you are more rooted than you have been in the recent past. A focus on home, chosen family and purpose has grounded you in your current place.

You have worked hard to let go. To let go of the collection of old stories that you were told as you grew, some of which continue to be retold, some of which simply linger in the background. To let go of resentment and disappointment that grew in the space between the messages you were given about what it meant to live in this world and your lived reality.

This dissonance was not new to you. Navigating your parents’ divorce. Coming out as a lesbian, and again as queer and trans. Maneuvering through different family configurations. Having
unexpected access to wealth. Experiencing the world of queer fertility. Exploring different contours of love. Each of these points have brought a letting go of a set of expectations, as well as the stability and predictability that come along with them.

Soon the world will be new again and there are big questions: What is your vision for the world, and your role in achieving that vision? How can you integrate work and life in such a way that moves us closer to liberation for all people?

May you be blessed with strength, laughter and resilience. May you find the courage to answer these questions, lean into community and embrace risk and vulnerability. May our world experience healing and freedom.

Rabbi Becky Silverstein (he/him/his) founded Beyn Kodesh Lchol, and serves as Board Chair of the boards of S’vara and the Jewish Studio Project. www.beynkodeshlchol.com