Help and Healing

This view from Tanglewood is one many visitors never see. When they arrive, they place their chairs and picnics on the lawn to face the shed where the concert will be performed. Perhaps they have time for a walk to find food or souvenirs in one of the “Glass Houses” (shops) near the gates, but they may never make it to the back of the grounds.

Saturday evening, I arrived very early and found my way to an area far in the back, beyond the path around the lawn. I was waiting for my Rabbi and members of the congregation to celebrate Havdalah, the ritual signifying the end of Shabbat and beginning of the week.  The word Havdalah means separation.

There were only a few others there – mostly friends and couples drinking wine or just looking out at the hills. Only the children running in the distance were oblivious to the spectacular view. Everyone else faced the hills and spoke softly. It was as still and quiet as it would be in a house of worship.

As I sat quietly, alone, I was enveloped by peace and serenity. What better way to enjoy the waning moments of a day of rest and contemplation? We had welcomed Shabbat in the temple with joyful music and prayer. Now, outdoors on a beautiful night, we would move on with different music and prayers, tinged with sadness at an ending, but with the hope for peace in the coming week. I find this prayer for the arrival of Miriam, the prophet, especially meaningful for our times:

               Miriam will dance among us to

mend our world of suffering.

               May she lead us, in our time, without delay,

               to the waters of help and healing.

We live in a broken world. For a moment I was in a better place, one that I hope will give me strength to find help and healing for myself and others.