We might think we’re supposed to be entering the season of return with all the answers or with perfect faith. But a seasonal psalm and some lessons from the July “States of Solitary” convening in Washington, DC suggest that we can — no, should — show up with own confusions, doubts, and questions.
The July 18 convening, “States of Solitary,” brought together organizations and individuals working on the “Unlock the Box” campaign to end solitary confinement in the U.S. (Matir Asurim joined with other faith organizations supporting this campaign.) One workshop, led by Advocacy Through Walls, stressed that advocates who are not directly effected by the criminal justice system must “ask before you act.” They reminded participants to be aware of motivation, capacity, perception, bias, and position, before engaging with people who are incarcerated. This lesson seems a useful one to bring into the new year with Matir Asurim and related work. It aligns well with Jewish tradition around Psalm 27:13, from the psalm long associated with the season of repentance and return. Being open to what we don’t know and being clear about our assumptions are key parts of approaching the new year.
Explore Psalm 27 and what those dots teach about doubt.
Consider the verse Rabbi Yael highlighted in the meditation, “Because” (also shared in this month’s Divrei Matir Asurim):
And now, O Israel, what does the ETERNAL your God demand of you? Only this:
to revere the ETERNAL your God,
to walk only in divine paths,
to love and to serve the ETERNAL your God with all your heart and soul
— Deut 10:12, Jewish Publication Society (JPS) 2023 trans.; Rabbi Yael’s own translation appears in her meditation
Elul calls us to focus on the demands of Deut 10:12 and to ask about our individual and collective responsibilities.
What is our responsibility with regard to “Divine good in life’s land”?
Are we doing our part to make Divine goodness more “fully alive on Earth”?
As Rabbi Yael wrote:
Because everything comes on the heel of everything else,
Because every action has consequences,
Because all is connected…
The month of Elul begins Sep 2-4.
Check out the rest of Elul’s Divrei Matir Asurim, including some organizational notes, excerpts from For Times Such As These, and selections from previous Matir Asurim high holiday materials.
If you’re not already on Matir Asurim’s email list, join the list here. To get more involved, contact us.
UPCOMING EVENTS
New Member Virtual Info Session and Orientation, Sep 9. Learn More
“The Season of Return and the Carceral State,” with Robin Bernstein, professor and author of Freeman’s Challenge. Sep 25. Learn More
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