Culture Corner: Summer to Fall and Other Transitions

By Simona Caplan
New York University

As the temperature starts to dip below eighty degrees and the days become shorter, students across the country begin to shift their thoughts from summer vacation to the upcoming fall semester. Our minds transition from visions of pools, beaches and lazy mornings to classes, professors, and deadlines. This transition may take days or weeks, between back to school shopping and other preparations before the first day of class. This mental, and sometimes physical, change can be challenging and sometimes frightening. Fortunately, Judaism has developed guidelines for how to ease into new phases.

Transitions within the framework of Judaism are marked with specific rituals and prayer. These indicators are not only meant to pinpoint the moment of transition, but also to ease us into the new state or atmosphere with familiar symbols. Every week, the same traditional steps are taken to signify the beginning and end of Shabbat. Jews all over the world light candles, drink wine, eat hallah, and recite the appropriate blessings over each representation of Shabbat's beginning. These symbols and actions help to create a smooth transition from six days of work and stress to one day of rest and reflection. Perhaps even more challenging, the shift from Shabbat back to the workweek is marked by symbols meant to ease the changeover. The besamim, or spices, are meant to relieve the soul as it leaves the comforts of Shabbat behind and plunges into the rest of the week. Beautiful songs are traditionally sung at the close of Shabbat to comfort those whose transition is especially difficult. Each week, these same symbols bring us both meaning and comfort. Whether it is Shabbat's beginning or end, Judaism has formed moments and symbols of transition to create stability and familiarity in the regular transitions in our calendars.

Although they arguably take many years to develop, lifecycle transitions are marked at specific intervals by well-attended ceremonial rituals. A circumcision or baby-naming, signifying the introduction of the baby into this world, soon follows the birth of the child; the development of a child into an adult is celebrated when they become a Bar or Bat Mitzvah; Jewish weddings include various traditional prayers and acts, such as breaking a glass, to acknowledge the change from single to married life; the transition from this life to the afterlife is marked by a Jewish, ceremonial goodbye. Each of these transitional moments include, even require, gathering with family and community. There must be at least a minyan (quorum of 10) or two witnesses for certain ceremonial rituals to be valid. This shows how Judaism acknowledges that moments of change are eased by external support. Both familiarity and community are needed to make a smooth transition.

Within the weeks of adjustment to a new school year, another transition will take place. Rosh HaShanah marks the start of the Jewish New Year. The month preceding this changeover, Elul, is a time for self-reflection and evaluation. An entire month is devoted to taking steps towards a better understanding of oneself. These steps are guided by prayer and meditation. Along with familiarity and community, self-understanding is needed for a successful transition.

As we begin to think about packing our bags and tracking down less expensive textbooks, the shift ahead may look daunting and troublesome. However, by taking the steps outlined by our tradition—familiar symbols, community and self-understanding—the transition from summer to fall will be as smooth as the changes in nature.

Simona Caplan is majoring in religious studies and beginning her sophomore year at New York University.

[Posted 8/19/09]