It feels great to usher in the month of Nissan, a sign of new beginnings and hope. The biblical name for this month is also Aviv, חֹ֣דֶשׁ הָֽאָבִ֔יב, (Exodus 34:18) meaning Spring*. which beautifully syncs us to the world around us. In Israel, flowers are already blooming! In Nissan we started to build the Mishkan, the portable sanctuary. What a concept, right? We often take for granted how incredibly forward-thinking that idea was. The Bible outlines specific and detailed instructions for constructing a Mishkan, so that we can transport a way of connecting with the Divine Source on our journey. The opportunity was pluralistically provided for the entire Jewish people and was visible at all times. What if we can take this step a little further, and think about what it would mean for us to 'carry around an acknowledgment of God's presence all the time. 

This month of Nissan is noted in the Bible as "A new year" along with the month of  Tishrei, when we observe Rosh Hashanah. One holiday recognizes the creation of the world, and all that is within it, while the other marks the beginning of our formal relationship with our Creator.  Every six months (in a regular year) we are given the opportunity to begin the year again.

*For an interesting take on Aviv, using Gematria (numerology), see below.

Reheat that cup of coffee, browse through, and please, share your feedback and comments (both hits and misses), so I can better serve your interests.