When I was going off to kindergarten my mother bought me my very first Big Box of Crayola Crayons. Sixty-four shiny, pointy new crayons in colors I had never heard of. It even came complete with a sharpener built into the box!
I was beside myself with excitement as I dreamed of the possibilities of all that could be created. I would, I envisioned, maintained this sharpness and sparkle throughout the year.
As you might imagine, my crayons were well used and as the year went on, the shine dulled from continued handling. The paper wrappings were torn away as I attempted (without great success) to sharpen the crayons into perfect new points. And, needless to say, many broke along the way. They were functional and I really didn’t notice the gradual loss of their “glow.”
But then a new school year began and with it another box of 64 crayons was purchased. They sat on a shelf until the first day of school. I patiently (or not) waited until I entered my classroom to crack open the perforated top. I can still recall savoring the look, smell, and feel of these new crayons and the shiny bright potential they symbolized. So it went for many years.
When I had children I was thrilled to buy each of them (and me) a new box of 64 crayons each year. Throughout the years we explored some of the newer fads – glitter crayons and fluorescents added a bit of splash to designs, yet even as markers grew more popular, a new box of 64 crayons (with the sharpener in the back) was a new year tradition. A shiny, bright, colorful, creative, sweet smelling fresh start was all contained in each of these boxes.
Like a fresh box of crayons, this month of Tishre represents so much potential – a fresh start. The piercing, soul-reaching sound of the shofar shakes us out of the dullness of our day to day routine. The whiteness that surrounds us reminds us that the New Year brings a fresh canvas, one we can fill with the bright colors of caring, compassion, and joyous moments.
We can, if we choose, savor the moment and all of the possibilities it holds. The choice is ours. We can see Rosh HaShanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret, and Simchat Torah as annoying disruptions or truly as Days filled with Awe and Sacred Reminders of our blessings.
Are you so settled with your old box of crayons that you can’t imagine anything different or are you truly ready to join with others in a joyous fresh beginning? I know it is more than time for me to enjoy a new box of crayons. I am ready to savor all the potential that it, and this awe-filled month, has to offer.
May each one of us allow this month to renew and strengthen our souls and our resolve to do our best. May we be eager to capture the colors of the world around us. May we join together in the months ahead, creating an ever brighter community for all.
L’shana Tova – may 5774 be a year of goodness and vibrant, brilliant color!
Prior to her position with the Grinspoon Foundation, Iris served as a synagogue educator in Syracuse NY, the Central New York PJ Library Program Coordinator and as a national consultant for PJ Library.
Iris holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood, Elementary, and Special Education, a master’s degree in Special Education and Reading, and Advanced Certification in School Leadership and Administration. Her experience as a secular educator and educational leader in congregational and community settings spans over 20 years. She is also a lay leader in Jewish organizations on the local and national levels. Iris served as the President of CAJE – the Coalition for the Advancement of Jewish Education, which was the largest member organization for Jewish educators in the country.
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