Chodesh Shevat
Chodesh tov – Shevat is here! I’m feeling the energy today with the gift of some spring-like weather in New York for this time of year, with a promise of rejuvenation around the corner. I can sense the sap rising.
The astrological sign of this month is a dli, a bucket. When I thought of a bucket this morning, it reminded me of a childhood song, “There’s a hole in the bucket, dear Liza, dear Liza, there’s a hole in the bucket, dear Liza, a hole…”
And I thought of myself as a bucket…sometimes overflowing with so much to give – love, ideas, food, warmth, friendship. Sometimes hollow, aching to fill myself up with more – more Torah, more knowledge, more experiences, more connection. And sometimes I feel like there’s a hole in my bucket. Because even though my bucket should be full with all the blessings I have in my life, somehow no matter how much I fill myself up, there’s room to put in more.
In the song Liza tells Henry to just fix it. And although he struggles with what he should fix it, ultimately she instructs him to use the bucket to fix it. And I found this somewhat profound 😆.
Because our bucket’s capacity is different at different times of the year, and at every stage of life. Sometimes it’s overflowing and sometimes it’s bare. Sometimes there’s a small leak and sometimes there’s a gaping hole. But I need that bucket to function and that bucket is the key to fixing. Whatever you do, don’t break the bucket.
This is your container with which God gives you everything you need to function and serve Him. It’s ok if we sometimes are overflowing and sometimes feel depleted, this is the rhythm of life. Just keep filling up so you can give more.
Wishing you a month of overflowing shefa and blessings. Chodesh tov!