“The mountains are calling.” -John Muir
This week during the Passover break, I headed up to Mammoth for the first time to ski and explore. There was an embarrassment of riches for my senses to feast on: the gorgeous green pine trees, the shimmering snow in the sunlight, and the beautiful view of the surrounding mountain range from the very top of Mammoth Mountain. Witnessing the beauty of the natural world causes me to feel a deep connection to God, the One who created all this brilliance.
When I was a little girl skiing with my dad and brother, I always felt very close to God. At the time, I understood this special closeness as a result of being up in the tall mountains. I thought if I just lifted my ski pole up high enough, perhaps I could touch heaven itself! However, our sacred text teaches us that God and Torah are not only in heaven (Deuteronomy 30:12), but that God is near and around us at all times if we can only open our hearts to this truth. Looking back, I realize that it wasn’t this nearness to heaven that I felt as a little girl on the slopes, but rather, it was the quality time with my family combined with a profound sense of awe I felt at seeing the beauty of creation that allowed me to feel such a deep connection with God.
As spring unfolds this Passover season and beyond, carve out time to witness the awesomeness of our natural world in the company of those you love. This exploration is good for the heart and good for the soul! Our tradition offers the following blessings when witnessing the wonders of God’s creation. May it be a season of exploration and amazement for us all.
On seeing the large-scale wonders of nature, such as mountains, hills, deserts, seas, long rivers, lightning, and the sky in its purity:
,בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ, אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם
.עוֹשֶֹה מַעֲשֵֹה בְרֵאשִׁית
Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech haolam, oseh maasei v’reishit.
We praise You, Eternal God, Sovereign of the universe, who makes the works of creation.
On seeing the small-scale wonders of nature, such as beautiful trees, animals, and people:
,בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ, אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם
.שֶׁכָּכָה לּוֹ בְּעוֹלָמוֹ
Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech haolam, shekacha lo beolamo.
We praise You, Eternal God, Sovereign of the universe, that such as these are in Your world.