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A CRUEL, CRUEL SUMMER? July 2000 by Rabbi Samuel M. Cohon There is a pernicious rumor circulating through Southern Arizona that needs to be squelched right now: it is that every living soul leaves Tucson for cooler climates in July and August. While we can scarcely blame anyone for fleeing to San Diego, Show Low, Mt. Lemmon, or other balmier parts, it must be stated that in spite of the obvious temptation to head for the hills (or seas) when the mercury surpasses 105 degrees, lots of folks remain here. In fact, some of us actually enjoy the torrid Tucson summers. Now, it should be abundantly clear that what we enjoy is not the outside temperature. Although swimming pools help considerably-and summer nights are often quite delightful-no sane human being with reasonably normal circulation could possibly claim to take pleasure from the superheated air of midday in midsummer. But there is a more subtle form of joy available in the summer: it is the wonderful opportunity to slow down a bit and examine the kind of life we lead the rest of the year. As commitments moderate with the exodus from town, and as the regularity of temple and community events diminishes, we can sit back and think about how we might best live life. Have we used our time well during the "regular" year? Have we been active in causes that brought greater meaning, purpose, and joy to our lives? Have we learned new and interesting things, pushed ourselves intellectually and morally? Have we given of our time, energy and resources to our families, our community, our temple, and our world? Perhaps even more importantly, summer is a time for us to let go of the darknesses and blots that have attached themselves to our souls. It is a time to allow the divine blessing of the summer sun to cauterize our wounds, to cleanse us of the frustrations and disappointments of the past nine months, to allow ourselves to accept the gift of God's light into our lives. Australian poet Michael Leunig describes this summer blessing: We welcome the summer and its glorious blessing of light. We are rich with light; we are loved by the sun. Let us empty our hearts into the brilliance. Let us pour our darkness into the glorious, forgiving light. For this loving abundance let us give thanks and offer our joy. Summer Shabbat Services continue all through July and August, as do our Adult Education Academy courses. The Torah portions in July are particularly rich and intriguing in message and meaning. Our course in "Hot Issues in the Hot Sun" will push each of us to explore how Jewish ethics can shape our lives. Enroll now, and attend our new early 5:45 PM Friday evening services, or our Shabbat morning services in our very well air conditioned chapel at 10 AM. Live your Judaism! Come and find a way to make your presence in this hotbox have new and deeper meaning. Make this summer of heat and light also be a summer of growth and joy. From the July 2000 Temple Times |
