On the Mountain

 THE BIG IDEA

According to the Torah Omens this is a favorable time to kick off your shoes and feel the earth under your feet. Bring divine awareness into the material demands of your life, infuse yourself with the grounding force of the earth’s energy that is here to heal you. 

The Torah Omens position us at the base of Mount Sinai, B’har, and focus our attention on the systems of spiritual governance that regulate the use of physical land and the people that work it.

Challenge your personal sense of security around ownership and entitlement to land, property, migrant workers and slaves, reexamine the way you treat the earth, and all its inhabitants

Use Iyar’s healing force to adjust any abusive or restrictive tendencies you see in your relationships, or negligence toward the earth. The lights of Shavuot are approaching, welcome that energy into a positive focus.

SHEMETAH EXCERCISE

The Shemetah (7th year) and Jubilee (50th year)  cycles introduce a practice of spiritual governance to the inhabitants of Israel. These cycles are designed to awaken all those that have succeeded (as land owners) or failed (in becoming slaves) that live in Israel (on the sacred land). These cycles provide a profound rest from the illusion of our individual identity.

Imagine a society where every 7 years all (hebrew) slaves are released, the land is free and open to all, workers and land owners alike shall rest. You feed yourself as equals and come back to the awareness of the earth. And every 50 years all slaves are released and all bonds amongst all people, regardless of their covenant.

If you are living in the land of Israel, this an actual practice , but wherever you are, this weekend is an excellent time to check in on your practice.

How aware are you of the spiritual status of the produce you eat?

How do you respect the spiritual elements of your food? (if at all)

What is the value of giving food that comes from the earth a special spiritual designation?

How do you practice your awareness of the divine nature of the earth and her fruits?