Reflection for Rosh Chodesh Shevat

By Judith Golden

Cycle Designer
You call us

       To lighten our heavy heartedness
       As sunshine begins to linger longer
       Occasionally teasing us with spring-like breezes

Divider and Pourer of Waters
You call us

       To merge with life’s flow
       As icicles drip and snow begins to melt
       And life-giving liquid begins to quicken its winter-slowed flow through the earth

Turner of Seasons
You call us

       To turn from pondering last year’s bounty 
       To prepare for coming fruit
       As trees ready themselves for their new growth
       Reminding us of the righteousness of faith in the future

It is time to plan our gardens
And inside
To plant the most tender seeds 
Seeds of our own freedom
Parsley to be harvested at Pesach

© Copyright  Judith Golden 2001.  Contact information: jaugolden@gmail.com.

Rosh Chodesh Shevat

By Judith Golden, 1/28/2025

The new moon invites us
Into a new cycle
A thin crescent
Holding space
For creative possibility

As we enter Shevat
Coming out of darkness
Light growing
Turning toward warming
Water rains down
The ground starts to thaw
Giving access to deep roots
That have been resting
Waiting patiently for their time
To send the sap
Rising up again
Sweet nourishment
For new growth
And future blossoming

© Copyright  Judith Golden 2025.  Contact information: jaugolden@gmail.com.

Shevat Heart Opening

By Judith Golden, 2/10/2025

Full moon in a purple sky.
Encouraging browns of earth and trunk.
Sap rising toward budding green leaves, the color of the heart chakra.
What color will the fruit be?

We open our hearts to hold the light.
Welcoming, lifting, reflecting, shining.
What will the light bring?
How will it sprinkle and sparkle through eternity?

We work to keep our hearts open to creative possibilities
And spread light where we can.

 

© Copyright  Judith Golden 2025.  Contact information: jaugolden@gmail.com.

(Painting and reflection came through in a Jewish Studio Project class with Kohenet Keshira haLev Fife focusing on the energy of the month of Shevat.)

Can We Be More Like Trees?

By Judith Golden, 1/29/2025

Can we be more like trees?

Deeply rooted in a web of interconnection
Sending nourishment
Sending encouragement
Deep and wide

Can we be more like trees?

Reaching heavenward
Resting and blossoming in proper season
Growing rings of wisdom
Tall and wide

Can we be more like trees?

Giving our gifts and receiving our needs
Exchanging reciprocal breath
As we take in sustenance, provide nourishment
In and out

Can we be more like trees?

Supporting each other
Providing perches and shelter
Knowing we are not only you and me
But also we

© Copyright  Judith Golden 2025.  Contact information: jaugolden@gmail.com.