On the 6th of September, a few days ago, the European Day of Jewish Culture took place, whose theme was "Itineraries", "routes". A very pertinent choice, since Jews have been travelling for three thousand years. Literally, throughout various, long periods in history, as were on a quest for a land where to develop our potential and give our best to the world, or because of expulsions and persecutions, or perhaps because we are often, physically or spiritually, travelling to and from Israel.
Maybe this is also why in Judaism the concept of Time is immensely preponderant compared to that of Space. In fact, it is through the daily rituals and the festivities, marked by the lunar Jewish calendar, that we rebuild, in some cases even reenact, a 'Space in Time', regardless of where we are physically.
Here is the wormhole!
For about ten years, this has been also the journey that, as a Jew, I make every day: as a citizen of the world, in and out from the reality (secular or of a different tradition) in which I live, that I respect and interests me. But if I reflect on my first 55 years, I have always been travelling: both physically, as a new born baby, leaving Modena to go from city to city with my family, and then continuing as an adult; but also on the inside, through my 'wormhole', to alienate myself from the reality of injustice, violence and insecurity in my family, towards faith, that for me is, trust and hope.
This Hebrew month of Elul is coming to an end, in two days it will be Rosh HaShanah, New Year's Eve, and as tradition has it, I have tried to do some Cheshbon HaNefesh, an inventory of how I am, where I am, with regard to You, Adonai, to myself, to my loved ones and the community.
I realize that I was not very good in the use of my 'wormhole'. Let me explain: I think I know that You gave it to me at birth because it would have been (and has been) a survival tool for my growth and the fulfilment of my purpose in the world, and for this I am deeply grateful to You. Maybe I used it too much?
My journey through life has brought me twenty years ago (despite my father's hostility) to my Ikigai, to know the core of my potential, that is the ability to promote well-being and nurturing. Since then I have developed and put it at the service of others, enhancing it in a spiritual dimension. From the beginning, my work - gave me - but also required of me a combination of balance, creativity and confidence in my own peace of mind. So, perhaps to protect the energy of my work, I never asserted myself to my old family in my professional capacity, standing up for my needs.
Please, forgive me.
LiOr