Spring holiday

In many ways it has been a hard and long winter. Reflecting from outwards in, the state of the current economic crisis, the wars and terror attacks within the Jewish world, the suffering and high amount of deaths from unnatural causes within my community, have all added to the general slump of spirits. Within my own tiny world, I have lost count of the number of communications which were 'down' ones. Whereas a weekly shot of inspiration was once enough now it is needed twice daily, friends around me are gripping tightly to the edge of their world and feeling like the earth under them is moving and the level of sadness is rising. No, I am not exempt, I too have felt the whirlwind, I too have struggled.

After hearing a particular piece of sad news today I was staring out the window watching the thick grey clouds press down out the world, matching my mood and those of many others, when I saw it, I saw the first blossoms, those tiny white petals that speak of growth, renewal and a reminder that the sun will shine again. A remainder that the sadness would be lifted, the pain of loss would lessen, the world will continue and somehow it will all be alright in the end. Therefore I would like to put forward a proposal for a special spring holiday, a day in which work would be banned and a day where living in the outdoors would be compulsory, a day in which we should renew ourselves through observing beauty and growth around us and a day to just be at one with the natural world!