Vows

THE BIG IDEA

This week’s Torah Omens invite us to contemplate the integrity of our words, actions, desires and will. 

Take note of any “resolutions” you take upon yourself. How often do you restrict a food, substances or behavior —  or make promises to do things for God other people? According to the Torah Omens this week is an excellent time to consider the spiritually binding weight of the vows we make, and the integrity of our word. 

It is also a good time to remember the importance of completing action and avoiding shortcuts, and the keen sensitivity needed during negotiations.

Keep in mind, whatever is going on in your life, the next three weeks are shadowed by an energetic field of loss and mourning that began this past Sunday and culminates with a fast day on August 7. Take time to consider the spiritual implications of the destruction of two Temples from our world, and the senseless brotherly hatred that continues to plague our reality. Don’t be surprised if you feel sadder than usual during this time, in fact, sadness is encouraged. 

THREE WEEK CONTEMPLATION 

The next 3 weeks are (meant to be) shadowed by the Temple’s destruction and its absence from jewish life and the planet at large. However, it is challenging for any modern person to fully absorb the meaning of a palace built exclusively for the divine, with a stream of animal offerings that feed the heavens. 

It is even harder to remember that the fundamental purpose of the jewish people, (the descendants of Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebecca, and Jacob, Leah, Rachel, Bilha or Zipah, and those that willingly choose to accept the weight of their covenant) were rescued from slavery in Egypt in order to serve God with their entire being. However, the main form of spiritual service requires a channel to the divine that is only accessible through the holy temple (that is now destroyed). 

In order to begin to connect to the notion of the temple’s destruction and implications, first invite yourself to spend some time imagining the temple itself.

Imagine the old city walls of Jerusalem. 

Imagine the Temple Mount.

Imagine a palace with courtyards and ritual pools and gateways.

Imagine an altar and high priests.

Imagine your visits and offerings. 

Imagine the feeling of it. Imagine the feeling and knowing within.

Take time this weekend to build a relationship with the fact of a place holder for divinity might look like and feel like in the material world. 

WOMEN’S WORDS

According to the Torah, the vows made by young girls living in their father’s home and married women can be nullified by their father and husband respectively. The vow must be overheard and nullified immediately - or else it stands — as if a man or single adult woman made it. 

What might the Torah be communicating about the feminine, or those that are dependents in the world? 

***i have no satisfying answer to that question, but would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!