‘Raise your eyes and look about:
They have all gathered and come to you.
Your sons shall be brought from afar,
Your daughters like babes on shoulders.
As you behold, you will glow;
Your heart will throb and thrill…’ (Isaiah 60: 4-5)
Our Haftarah for this Shabbat foretells our experience at the High Holy Days this year. In effect, it tells us to lift our eyes from our zoom screens, look about at the world outside our homes.
Gather and come.
Bring your children.
All shall come from afar.
We have been separated for so long. This year, bring your masks, and hand sanitisers; come and gather. As we behold each other face to face, we will glow–externally and internally. The sounds of our voices co-mingling will warm our souls, and we will remember what harmony sounds like.
Our hearts will thrill.
Sit with loved ones, old friends and new. Make a new friend at shul. Wear your mask, sit where you feel comfortable (there will be a mask only section available, and socially distanced seating), feel the mahzor in your hand, and the Torah in your arms. Hear the sounds of the drum, sax, flute and the air purifier.
The ark is ready and open for you.
Come from afar.
Return again, to the land of your soul.
I can’t wait to welcome you home.
This Shabbat, may you remember how important you are in the House of Israel. May you be filled with hope for a new year, and a longing for reconnection–with yourself, with the ones you love, and with the Jewish people.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Marcia Plumb
