by Tsipi Wexler

Renewal

by Tsipi Wexler

Renewal is making room for new growth. Renewal can be moving from one season or holiday to the next, i.e., replacing coats and boots with spring clothes. Clothes, as with our holidays, each has its appointed time. As I write, in this week’s Torah reading we finish the book of Exodus and begin Vayikra, Leviticus; the Daf Yomi cycle is moving from seder Mo’ed to seder Nashim. Although we move on, we later cycle back with renewed enthusiasm and understanding. Renewal and growth also encompasses moving from strength to strength, climbing upward.

I did a quick search in the library catalogue for renewal. I expected to find some self-help books and teshuva. To my surprise, I got a selection of books on diverse subjects:

BIRCAS HACHAMAH

Blessing of the Sun – Renewal of Creation by David J. Bleich —Calendar and cycles

COVENANT & CONVERSATION

A Weekly Reading of the Jewish Bible Deuteronomy: Renewal of the Sinai Covenant by Jonathan Sacks —Weekly Torah reading

DAYS OF AWE

A Treasury of Jewish Wisdom for Reflection, Repentance, and Renewal on the High Holy Days by S. Y. Agnon —High holidays

JUDAISM FOR EVERYONE

Renewing your Life through the Vibrant Lessons of the Jewish Faith by Shmuley Boteach —Judaism

MODERN HEBREW LITERATURE

Israel at 60 - Retrospective & Renewal by Ory Bernstein —Literature

RENEWING THE COVENANT

A Kabbalistic Guide to Jewish Spirituality by Leonora Leet —Kabbala

RENEWING THE COVENANT

A Theology for the Postmodern Jew by Eugene Borowitz —Jewish thought

THE SPIRIT OF RENEWAL

by Edward Feld —Holocaust

Renewal is multi-faceted and encompasses our lives, seasons, holidays, the texts we learn, the country we live in, and our connection to G-d.

Wishing everyone a happy and kosher Pesach. n