-by Liz Sorensen Wessel

It was one of those spontaneous moments when you take a chance and say yes to life. My friend Richard extended an invitation to join his family for dinner. I accepted, unaware of the extraordinary expeirence that awaited us within the inner sanctum of their home.

“Well, we will have to hurry because we need to get there before sundown” Richard said. At this pronouncement we hopped into his ivory, round-back, classic old Volvo. The road hugged the Connecticut River as we wound our way up route 30 towards Townshend, Vermont.

Whew, we arrived just as the sun was beginning to set. Richard’s older brother, Ben and his lovely wife, Jenny greeted us warmly. We gathered to welcome the Sabbath or Shabbat in Hebrew, שַׁבָּת‎. Jenny began by lighting the candles and Ben recited ancient prayers. A freshly baked loaf of Vermont wholesomeness was presented as each person broke off a piece and passed it to another as blessings were lovingly bestowed.

I was a young adult and keeping the Sabbath was completely new to me. I discovered an intimacy and peacefulness in honoring life’s Holiness. Being together in this way was a simple, yet deeply moving experience. We shared a meal within the ease of conversation. After dinner, Ben played his guitar as our voices splayed the evening’s sacred requiem.

It grew late, so we accepted their invitation to sleep over. The guest room was rather unique as it was located out of doors. It was a cold autumn night and the stars sparkled in Morse code upon the velvety sky.

Richard pulled back the flap of an authentic custom made teepee (how Ben made his living.) I was surprised at how large it was in diameter and height. In the center was the hearth and Richard lit a wood fire within a ring of stones. Smoke escaped through the teepee’s opening high above. We both shimmied into our own sleeping bag and soon drifted into sleep.

 The cherished memory lingers, still, after all these years. What is it about rituals that transform the ordinary into something divine?

Rituals enable us to pause to acknowledge, affirm and honor the unseen aspects of our lives that are most meaningful.  These rites help us to reconnect with the sacred thread that underpins all of life; Love.

Liz Sorensen Wessel