Spring, Passover, Easter is upon us. Everywhere I look I see the signs. A cluster of burgeoning life pokes through the soil as the latticework of branches in the canopy above thickens with each passing day. If there is a word for this pulse of creation , it is hope. Hope for renewal, for forgiveness, for new meaning and purpose. Hope for the freedom of all.

Will Christ consciousness rise, will we ever be free from what enslaves us? There is a song that is sung at the Passover table. Each line ends with the word , Dayenu, meaning, it would have been enough. if we were just given safe passage through the waters of the sea, that would have been enough. It is a song of gratitude. Would that we were living that sentiment. It seems the more we get in this material world the more we crave. Indeed, it's what informs the design of our mobile devices. Never enough is the lubricant that keeps the advertising engine of desire purring along.

So let me add another word, gratitude. To wake up every day grateful for the heaven that is all around us. Grateful for another chance to love a little bit better and share a little bit more in this miraculous journey , this blink in the eye of existence we call life.

I spend more and more time as a witness to those that journey into the deeper waters of life's murkier depths. Why am I here, what is my purpose and how can I be free. Not of responsibility but those actions, thoughts and beliefs that enslaves us. Spring is an offer to hop back on the "carousel of time" as Joni would say and take another spin. What is enslaving you? It's time to turn and face the Pharoah , the tyrant in us that blocks our path to freedom. The freedom of becoming our authentic self.

When the Israelites were fleeing Egypt (the narrow path) they found themselves trapped at the shores of the sea with Pharaoh and his army in hot pursuit. Moses, the reluctant leader prays fpr a solution. The people are furious that they have been brought here to die. One person, Nachshon is pushed, or of his own volition steps into the waters. Frankly sometimes we need a push, sometimes we just go, either way works. He walks till the water covers his legs, his hip, his chest. He doesn't stop, he continues. Soon the others see him relentlessly moving forward, having faith that the waters will yield. They too take the leap and the path to freedom opens.

This year, a Spiritual Companion I wish for you the courage of Nachshon . May hope and gratitude light your way.

ralphbenmergui.ca

A huge Canadian Mazal Tov to Board member and newly ordained Hazzan/Cantor Kevin McIntyre. Learn more about Kevin on the AOP website and read about his involvement with ALEPH Canada here.