At Twilight
Posted on 18 September 2009
At twilight, it will be no longer day, and yet not quite night. You can feel yourself slip into the mysteriously enchanting moment of something other than “ordinary time”. It feels as though something has happened. And it feels as though something will happen. And it is true –a day has gone by and night is beginning. Yet it is more than that, it is a moment in time which seems somehow unbound by time itself. The ancients recorded that G-d’s first action was to say the words, “Let there be light”. That moment of the day when light dims and time becomes “other” is followed by the moment of creating light for ourselves, in imitation of The Creator. I have always been swayed by the power and beauty of this symbolic observance of time, and of light, and of creating.
When I was in my late twenties I studied with a rabbi at Tufts University in Boston. I participated in the ritual of Shabat, each Friday at sundown. I felt there was no better place to be than to be observing the mystery of time beginning when 3 stars are visible in the sky after sundown. And when I was learning about the High Holy Days, beginning with Rosh Hashanah, and ending with Yom Kippur, I was at a service sitting quietly. The rabbi called me up. I had no idea why she called me. I walked up to her in front of everyone, and to my complete surprise, she allowed me to open the Torah to begin the service. I will never forget that moment. Opening the Torah was something I cannot describe. It was as if all time rushed into my being.
At sundown tonight, Rosh Hashanah begins. There is a beautiful book for children I want to recommend today by author April Halprin Wayland. April is a true poet (I illustrated her fantastic book GIRL COMING IN FOR A LANDING, a novel told in poems) and she has written NEW YEAR AT THE PIER, illustrated by Stephane Jorisch. This book is my favorite book for understanding what happens during the days of Rosh Hashanah, leading to Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. The shofar sounds, and sorrows from days gone by are tossed into the sea. It is a beautiful book and I recommend it for everyone! Go to: www.aprilwayland.com
13 responses to At Twilight
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Another great image with tale you’ve shared with us. I, too, am totally taken aback by twilight…there is magic in these moments. And I especially feel the fullness of the silence in those moments just before dawn- it feels simply holy.
Jules, thanks for your input. I remember seeing Melinda and Belinda in Texas, at twilight on Halloween. The air was pinkish orange, and they silently walked by in fairy/ballerina costumes. I was spellbound and have never forgotten the magic of that!
What a beautiful story about opening the Torah — it must have been a truly memorable event for you. Twilight is a lovely time to just relax and ease into the night. Dawn brings its own special feelings of hope and anticipation of a new day, another opportunity. What a wonderful thought of having all your sins and transgressions forgiven and “thrown into the sea” — akin to the good feelings many of us experience after going to Confession. I’ve always thought the Jewish Holy Days were so inspirational and somewhat mystical. Mom
Rituals for releasing the old and beginning the new are so powerful, just like the waning of a day and the beginning of a new one! Thanks, Mom!
What a great experience to have. I think in being outside when the sun is rising soaking in the new energy and light of the day is the best way to start the day – and as the sun goes down witnessing the calming of the day,preparing the body for a good nights rest – and then twilight sitting with the darkness and the silents of the night you hear God in a very powerful way
So true, the silence really is powerful! Thank you so much for your comment!
utterly lovely, Elaine. Thank you. xxxxOOOO
a very spiritual recollection! twilight is indeed the sign that God remains here. the day has ended, yet a new one wiil soon begin. the darkness should not be feared as it is the transition between what has ended and what has yet to begin. God created twilight and dawn to to have the darkness in between them as a sign that an ending leads to a new beginning. twilight inspires us to reflect on what is about to end. dawn inspires us to embrace what is about to be. to God, there is no “then”; there is only “NOW”! we are incapable of grasping a pure concept of “NOW”. we require a starting point and ending point. twilight and dawn are His way of re-assuring us that “NOW” is and will be “NOW”
if you think about it, part of the overflowing when you opened the Torah, was having a momentary view into “NOW”! at that point, you received the experience of the realization that
you are not a “was” you are not a “will be”. you are an “IS”! that is God’s time. everything was. everything will be, because everything is “NOW”!!! you were were lucky enough to be shown!!!! and i thank you for sharing it wit me!!
Thank you, David! All day today I’m going to remember NOW is all there is.
Elaine, this is such a lovely post–in addition to the beautiful art.
Susan, thank you very much. I added your link to chickenspaghetti!
Elaine
david, I love your response! The NOW is the sure place to be – Gods only time!!! Its my daily journey — and probably my life time journey!!
Dear Elaine!
It’s wonderful to wander in your blog again…and thank you for speaking of my book and linking to my site. I LOVE the painting of the cellist–oh, my! And so much more. Shana Tovah…warm wishes for a sweeeeeet new year!
xxx,
a