Hearing...Silence #BlogElul 21

I am getting ready for Slichot at Temple Judea tonight. It is a service that I love, and I find uncomfortable. It is a reflective service - with music, meaningful and provocative readings, and beautiful imagery as we change the covers of our Torah scrolls to reflect the arrival of the High Holy Day season.

And we leave the service in silence.

This is very atypical (especially for me)!

And the silence is deafening. You look to people expecting sound and hear none. Your own voice becomes louder and louder in your head. You hear your breathing. And time seems to stand still.

It is an awe-some experience as befits the Days of Awe.

Listening to silence is a gift - may we all be able to hear it more!