Cheshvan: The Blessing of Being Nothing Special

Chesvhan,

New moon gives you life.

Your mother has birthed a dozen offspring,

Yet you alone are born as

Nothing Special. 

Your sisters were created 

To distinguish and differentiate

Themselves,

To make their mark

Inflated with pride,

With worship, preparation,

And activity. 

You alone, 

You alone

Live quietly, without a special purpose,

Without mitzvot.

Ordinary.

A newspaper carelessly tossed 

On a frost-covered porch.

A tree releasing an orange leaf.

Lipton’s in a glass.

You bring no days of praise,

No fasting into altered state.

No honey cakes or apples.

No latkes or matzo balls. 

You leave these culinary arts

To your two closest sisters.

You are Nothing Special.

What a relief!