11 Elul: Sand is a rock…

Sand is rock that is ground more finely than gravel, found on beaches and in deserts.
A dune is a sand hill or sand ridge formed by the wind, usually in desert regions or near lakes and oceans.
A dune can be completely void of “life” that we can see… or can be home to quite visible plants and critters.
Am I the sand or the dune?
Did I begin as a rock (with apologies to Simon and Garfunkel)?
How was I ground down to leave my singularity and join with others?
How were we blown together to form a place of community?
How supportive will our community be? Will we be void of life… or welcome and protect those who venture to join us?

Enid C. Lader is Rabbi Emerita at Beth Israel – The West Temple in Cleveland, Ohio, and is the visiting rabbi at Kendal at Oberlin.  Enid and her husband, Harry, enjoy the blessings of their grown children and grandchildren – and traveling.