Dear Doves,
      The one week this year between Cheshvan 10 an 17, on the Hillel calendar, is 10-24 to 25. Concerning those other than the 8 of the family Noah, all the rest were unaware they were living the last blissful and golden days of their customary lives. They had no idea the tumult of rain was about to begin and continue for 40 days and nights. It was beyond their imaginings and possible understandings. Deluge, flood, terror, and drowning were before them. They were in the last days of eating and drinking, marrying, planting and building. Clueless were they, each and all, other than one family of  8 people. It was a customary week for most. The Noah family was no longer available for help with consultations and questions. As of Cheshvan 10 to 17, they SEPARATED from others and the customary lives they had known. The care of the pairs of animals and birds took over. Each day from Cheshvan 10 to 17, these groups had less and less in common. Their activities and expectations were a world apart. THE GREAT DIVIDE had happened before the rains came.
      Another week after Cheshvan 17, what do many have to look forward to one week later this year? From the day of preserved life in the story in Genesis about the Noah family, is the later day associated with death, fear, dread, and horror. Cheshvan 17 is a day symbolic of life, even for the few. All Hallows Eve is a day symbolic of death. Deuteronomy 15:30 has great advice from Moses as he bids farewell. "I set before you this day the ways of life and the ways of death. Choose life that you may live". I pray that The Day of The Blessed Hope is near. The words of Moses are worth remembering. "Choose life that you may live."
 
With Love and Shalom,
Jean