Tonight at sundown begins the eighth Biblical month of Cheshvan. Eight is the Hebrew number for New Beginnings. Thirteen months ago I had a headache for 7 days. Little did I know I was experiencing an aneurysm. We went to the emergency room on the 8th day. It was a miracle that I did not die nor have any loss of memory, speech impairment, seizures, or paralysis. On the eighth day God healed me.
This week the Torah reading is the account of Noah. This also is the month of the story of Noah. Noah’s parents named him because Noah means “REST” in Hebrew. They wanted to rest from their labors.
Did you know that this was the month The Holy Flood began. Do you ever wonder about the reason for the story of Noah and the Ark? We sometimes tend to think of it as a children’s story. But the lessons are so much deeper. Here’s a short poem capturing 11 wonderful lessons.
Everything I need to know about life, I learned from Noah’s Ark…
1. Don’t miss the boat.
2. Remember that we are all in the same boat.
3. Plan ahead. It wasn’t raining when Noah built the Ark.
4. Stay fit. When you’re 600 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big.
5. Don’t listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.
6. Build your future on high ground.
7. For safety’s sake, travel in pairs.
8. Speed isn’t always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs.
9. When you’re stressed, float a while.
10. Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.
11. No matter the storm, when you are with God, there’s always a rainbow waiting.
May this month be for you and your family a month of rest, new beginnings, and miracle signs and wonders.
Jim Laymon
Wellspring Israel 