Neighborhood Nature

I offer you an invitation for another day in the midst of quarantine.

Go for a walk today and listen. The silence of cars and people is definitely unnerving, but underneath that has always been a symphony of nature’s sound that goes unnoticed. What does the maple on your block sound like when the wind blows? What is the tenor of the chirping flock of birds flying overhead?

If you like, pick a sit-spot near your house and observe the wildlife that passes by. See if you can tune into a robin or a squirrel. And then return tomorrow, and the next day, and get to know your animal neighbors, see if you can begin to recognize the animal and plant life that is always speaking around us. We cannot get close to the people we love right now—let’s take this opportunity to draw closer the wildlife we already know, because we are a part of it.

Here is an offering from Israel Najari, 16th century Jewish liturgical poet, preacher, Biblical commentator and kabbalist:

You endow birds with the talent to sing,
Your name; I, too, desire the same.
Birds wake the world chirping aloud,
a talent instilled in them by God.
Might I, too, learn from those who fly
and be instructed by this animal cry
to acclaim the one who created me
and who planted a soul within
my body.
You endow birds with the talent to sing
Your name; I too, desire the same.
Tired people, look to the birds flying in the sky
who daily sing to the creator on high.
None tires, none fails to do what the maker asked;
none tires, none fails to do what the maker asked;
none is diverted rom the appointed task.
Human beings too can plant seeds with songs
and morning and evening for nothing more need long.
Take instruction, sing to God, bend your will,
and so a priestly role fulfill.
You endow birds with the talent to sing
Your name; I, too, desire the same.