
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!