Derech eretz—literally, the way of the land—begins with the possibilities for abundant life that the land allows to those who live together upon it. Along our common way, derech eretz comes to mean: decency, courtesy, common sense, and more. Derech eretz is not a revelation from heaven. One becomes a moral human being not a Sinai or in the bet midrash/study house. Derech eretz honors the ecology of the soil and of the soul—one cultivating and enriching the other. Derech eretz is the path along wiich the good of each converges with the good of all.
Those who find the way/derech to the Sicha Shabbaton at Wildacres will learn the derech eretz of
patience
taught by curving mountain roads, of
deeper breathing
taught by clear air; the derech eretz of
listening
taught by
quiet surroundings
, and the derech eretz of community prompted by wide spacious porches and
wide-open hearts and minds
.
High in the Blue Ridge Mountains surrounded by spectacular views, we hope to experience a lively Shabbat weekend including small group discussions, prayer services, nature walks, mountain music, and relaxation time on the Wildacres porch! At the end of Shabbat, we will commemorate Tisha B'av, the day marking the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple. Our Tisha B'av observance on Saturday night will consist of reading the Book of Lammentations, perhaps an eye-witness account of Jerusalem's fall. We will complement that observance by sharing other reflections on how our derech eretz-- our way with, and through loss-- has shaped our ablility to respond to tragedy and to live loss forward with determination and dignity.
At the end of our Shabbaton, we’ll retrace our journeys home—but the derech will be wider. Just what we need in our times!
