Maybe it’s because I am currently in the “parent of a young child” stage of life, but these days, I am struck by all the new beginnings I see. At one point, that was a first smile, or the first time eating watermelon; now, it looks like a new word or the first fall. I see new beginnings not just in the life of my child, but all around me. I saw it in the first rain of the season and the swapping out of my summer hat for my rain hat. And I see it all over our Jewish calendar, too.
Our new year started one month ago. A few weeks later, we started reading the Torah anew. Last week, we read the story of the beginning of God creating the world. This week, in Parashat Noach, the world resets once more. After a flood covers the Earth, the waters eventually recede, and God establishes a new covenant and direction for people. There is newness all around!
Where are you ready for something new in your life? What is something you want to hold on to from a previous cycle?