Meditations on the Book of Jonah

These Kavvanot were written for Yom Kippur, recited before each chapter of the Book of Jonah.

Chapter One

We are all called upon for service

If not for others

for ourselves

We will all

at one time or another

leave the call unanswered

Sometimes

we even flee from the call

Searching out

safety

Even in the most unsafe of places

Chapter Two

The depths of despair are 

ice cold

yet 

hot to the touch

We often reveal the greatest truths in the dark abyss of our 

pain and longing

Is there anything more inspirational than 

a broken heart 

more romantic than

grief? 

Chapter Three

The calls we answer aren’t always 

pleasant

They can be downright 

dejecting

Yet take them we

must

we understand the futility 

in our hitting the mute button

There is always a glimpse of light

however

in the darkest of places

Chapter Four

Our most base impulses 

often come from a place of 

love

Love misplaced

to be sure

yet love nonetheless

What does that say about our loving impulses? 

Imagine the power they can have

It’s yours

Love is yours

Now