Ma'ale Levona for Pesach

I love it out here. This land is truly touched by G-d. Everywhere you look people are getting ready for the hag. As each minute ticks by things begin to slow. Last minute preparations are made and families come together as the excitement sets in. I watch the slowly setting sun brush shadows across the vallies with more grace than a skilled painter. The wildflowers sway with the wind. They feel the joy in the air. They know spring is coming. The chickens crow with fury, and for good reason... Their bretherin weren't so lucky. They have made an appearance on our Seder plates tonight. I stare across to the next hill. There stands a tree. I've seen it before. It is the Gonani, the symbol of the north. It shows peace, beauty, and the natural creations of this land by G-d. It is a true symbol of life here. This place is unlike anything I have ever seen or will ever see again. This place truly brings me peace. As I retire to the ever advancing evening's festivities, I stop for a moment to hear the birds chirping, roosters crowing, and children playing. Life goes on as it always does. But for an instant, in this moment, it slowed just a little for me.