Making Moedim Transformational

Making Moedim Transformational

By Esther Mandella

The hot rays of the sun, made the sweat drizzle off her forehead. Yael, Yeshoshua, and Ariel, her three yeledim, toiled, each gathering the wheat into their baskets.  Their energy surpassed their Ima’s, as they sang and played while harvesting the grain.

It was almost time to give Abba the bikkurim, to take to the Beit Hamikdash, the Holy Temple. Hashem had taught them His Appointed Times, and with simcha they weaved through the fields, picking and singing tehillim. Songs of praise filled their lips.  Hashem had provided once again! Now, it was the time to give back to Hashem, the Name above all Names, who chose them as a special and anointed people.

I began this with a story for a special reason.  As you enter the moedim, the appointed times, it is easy to start thinking of to-do lists that can scroll a mile long.  For now, I am asking you to set that aside and travel back to the time of the Beit Hamikdash, the Holy Temple of Yerushalayim.  

Just like the Ima in the story, we are told to serve Hashem with our bikkurim, firstfruits, but now with the firstfruits of our heart.

As Yehudim, we are to always look back.  The Torah is to be as real for us today as the isha in the field, and the ish, man, bringing his tribute to the Temple.  Why so?  By looking back, we are actually looking forward! 

Hashem WILL restore His Temple again! The Beit Hamikdash will stand as a city of praise for His chosen ones and all peoples who love Him!

As the Holidays come closer each calendar day, I want you to go back.  Open your Chumash.  Allow yourself the smell the air of Ancient Yisrael.  See the grape skin wet and purple on your fingers.  See the yeledim gathering with smiles.  They know Hashem is near!

We are close! Do you feel it?  His Moshiach is arriving soon! His Beit Hamikdash is descending.  Each smile you add, each setting you place at your table, builds a stone in the Temple of the Most-High G-d!

May your Moedim be transformational for you, your household, in the Heavens and amongst us all!