Eagles and a New Year
In this week’s parsha, Ha’azinu we
read a beautiful metaphor about the relationship of God and Israel (Deut.
32:11). The Torah compares God to an eagle who protects its young by
raising them on the eagles’ wings.
The metaphor is a poignant one for
this time of year.
First, that each of us need support
at various times in our lives. We need help. Sometimes one of us might be in
the position of the eagle, supporting others and lifting each other up; and at
other times like the nestling, leaning on family, friends, or members of the
community for support.
The other key element to the
metaphor is that, according to our rabbis, most birds carry their young beneath
their wings, to protect them from the dangers above. The eagle, on the
other hand, is the highest-flying bird in the sky. The eagle raises up their
young on their wings, to protect them from what is below. The eagle lifts
others up.
So too, our relationship with God
and one another is meant to raise us up, to help us soar. We sought to do that
this year through explorations of Rosh Hashanah in the month of Elul with our
rabbis and Hazzan, and by offering fascinating learning options during Rosh
Hashanah services themselves by Jessica Fisher, Dr. Gary Porton, and Rabbi
Zachary Silver. We hope that you had a chance to be inspired through these
classes, and will continue to seek those out this coming year.
May this week of Rosh Hashanah and
the Yamim Noraim - the High Holy Days - be the beginning of a year filled with
blessing and happiness, sweetness and health.
And may we all find the support that
we need while simultaneously being able to support each other, helping each
other soar to new heights.
Shabbat shalom and Shana Tova,
Rabbi David Russo
