The Royal Tea - Chodesh Tov Nisan

I’m delighted to bring the kavanah for the month of Nisan 5786. The first month of the Jewish spiritual calendar we host the wonderfully reflective holiday of Pesach and parshas: Vayyiqra, Tzav, and Sh’mini. This month evokes a period of “miracles on miracles.” As Eidot CHeMDaT”A we are just that: a people of miracles.

Our trials and tribulations,

Our ability to thrive in systematically oppressed environments with the biggest heart,

the grandest smile, and the most beautiful joy–all the while being super on point–truly surpasses the laws of nature,

Our unwavering faith in Hashem is the mitochondria of the entire human experience.

Just as the moon cycles through the month: first the new moon, waxing leading to the first quarter, then fully illuminating to the full moon and then waning to the last quarter, our superpower is to utilize the energy of this cycle metaphysically to manifest our dreams, goals, and desires. With the intention that coincides with each phase: New moon - planting seeds, First Quarter - pushing through while applying pressure, Full moon - nurturing, and then finally the Last Quarter - healing and resting.

The month of Nisan begins with a new book of Torah and parashah Vayyiqra. This parshat “and HE called” turns our attention to intentionally planting our seeds with a “call to action.” Basically telling us to “say it with your whole chest.” To divinely SPEAK UP. We also find that the word qorban/“sacrifice” is mentioned 50 times in this parashah and the gimatriyyah for the number 50 corresponds to the letter nun - representing freedom and/or redemption. 

Then we have parashah Tzav–“command”–which demands that we define for ourselves what we “must do” to realign ourselves with Hashem and what we “may do” for others. Then finally the parashah of Sh’mini–“eight”–which in this context suggests that we give each of these cycles eight days to complete: eight days to set and plant the call to action for our goals, the next eight days to put in the work of what must be done and what may be done to achieve our goals, and then we intentionally take each night of Pesach to reflect on our goals and how they ultimately operate within the will of G-d, releasing us from our personal slavery. And guess what is built into that period: 6 days of rest! Everything that grows has a rest and reflection phase. The quality of your continuous growth will be a direct and mirrored reflection upon the quality of your rest and reflection. For in life, you truly end how you begin.

So I ask: What are you willing to sacrifice to gain your freedom back? The challenges we experience are to prayerfully redirect our attention back to serving Hashem. For various valid reasons we may have allowed our focus to slip away. It’s time to reclaim it back!

For those of us who have retained our freedom, how can we take that right step to help someone else make that quantum leap in their life? What are you willing to lay on the altar knowing that through the power of spiritual transformation, Hashem will miraculously redeem you beyond your wildest dreams. What will you advocate for yourself that is essential? Is what that is being required from you in alignment with what Hashem requires within you? How can you intentionally take that much needed rest? Finally facing and reflecting on that one elephant of an issue so that for once we can have the level of clarity that serves us righteously.

For me it’s the “wonders” of IVF. At this juncture, I’ve had what has appeared to be four failed attempts … and now–just like my matriarchs before me–I have begun to question; for the first time, my ability to bear my husband a son. At this big age, I knew it was going to be a gamble, and yet I thought possibly I’d defy the odds: I’m healthy, I eat clean (and kosher), and energetically I pour from an overflowing cup. So why the delayed results…why the sorrow and agony of receiving unfavorable news month after month? 

Breathe.

Pesach teaches us that life has a divine order. That each step is a requirement for the next and, unlike how we rightfully changed the rules of Uno, there is never going to be a stackable Reverse and Skip. Hashem requires we respect HIS order, HIS timing. That we ram through each step with all the faith, trust, and reliability of HIM solely. And just because you started sooner or later, that will never override the requirement to “respect the process, HIS process.” Throughout Torah, we see before any spiritual operation, it was always predicated by a purification process. Was there a time when I had unhealthy habits? Was there a time I kept “Kosher-style”? Were there moments I poured from a deficient cup?...

Well then...

What are you battling, struggling with, wanting to overcome? I'm here to affirm that your quantum leap is coming! Because as I look back over my life: a wonderful husband, three brilliant, beautiful daughters, thriving businesses, and a supportive Eidot CHeMDaT"A community, and what Hashem has done for me...I can truly say that I've been blessed. This is my miraculous testimony! So I'm going to just sit back, redirect and realign my focus and respect Hashem's process with me. I'm certain next month I'll have another little miracle to share!

Share your stories below and let me know how G-d showed up and showed out in your life! Chodesh Tov!