The Swan's Protective Wing During the 10 Tevet Holy Fast

 

The miracle of the 10 Tevet Holy Fast is tomorrow, cutting down on carbs today, hunger relieves suffering, there is anger after sadness, and rebirth after anger. Rebirth not as "saved" by the Romans, but as a deeper commitment to my ancestors. Remember wading in puddles at Waldheim Cemetery at my family's burial ground in deep reverent mourning of my family who are all buried there together. There was a springtime rainfall there then, and I had my pre-mikvah in the pure rain in preparation 3 years before my actual conversion mikvah that took place on 26 Nisan 5772.

Grayer skies, fewer clouds, angrier Pharoah, darker sunless days in Tevet, greater commitment to mission, higher purpose, stronger goals, more rested moments, quieter silent reflections, building up an inward spiritual strength through fasting and Torah Study. Resuming attendance at Shul on all Saturdays, starting the weeks at Shul on Sunday mornings, tightening tefillin and draping tallit over broad shoulders warming my neck. The seagulls are circling overhead, but they are not vultures, they are my Levite angels, diving for fish and cleaning up the garbage as it is littered. Seagulls, geese, and swans: peaceful birds of grandeur, learning from nature, learning from the animals.