Regrowth By Sharon Wilensky On a slope on the far end of the shul property, grew a cactus tree that’s trunk diameter was way more than 60cm. It grew with only the annual rain as nourishment and when it was no longer able to stand securely, it succumbed to the elements and fell over. The tree feller was called in to cut it up and dispose of it, but in true ‘sabra’ style, the cactus tree has started flourishing and is sprouting beautiful, colourful shoots which aspects to the resilience of this Land and the people. When I saw the shoots growing on what is left of the hacked-up tree, I was immediately transported back to the days leading up to our Aliyah – feeling splintered and emotionally shattered but with a knowledge that what we were embarking on a ‘growth spurt’ that would forever change our lives and that with huge emunah, a positive attitude and tons of savlanut, we would be nourished, guided and able to set up roots and re-grow a life in this Land that has been given to us. As we recite the Rosh Hashanah prayers and particularly in these uncertain times of Covid, I hold fast to these words: “And every object shall know that You have made it; and every
creature shall understand that You have created it; and every thing that has the breath of life in its nostrils shall proclaim: Gd, the Gd of Israel, is king, and His sovereignty rules over all...” n
| ראש השנה תשפ׳׳ב21
