In this week’s Torah portion, Parashat Behar, we read: “But in the seventh year the land shall have a complete rest, a Shabbat of the Eternal” (Leviticus 25:4). The land itself is commanded to pause, to breathe, and to restore itself. In the spirit of the upcoming Mother’s Day, Behar reminds us to honor “Mother Nature,” and perhaps to look more deeply at the connection between rest and holiness.

As Mother’s Day approaches, I find myself thinking about qualities in my own mother that I didn’t fully appreciate when I was young. She was the little voice always reminding us to take care of ourselves. Bedtime was early—8 o’clock. We drank milk with every meal. Sugary cereal simply was not in the house. My mother modeled healthy living through routine, moderation, and rest.

As a child, some of it felt restrictive. Now, I see it differently.

I see nurturing through structure. I see someone trying to give our bodies stability before we were old enough to understand why it mattered. In many ways, Parashat Behar teaches exactly this kind of wisdom. The Torah reminds us that even the land must rest. There are limits built into creation itself. Health is not endless striving; it is rhythm, restraint, renewal, and rest.

This Mother’s Day, may we honor all who nurture us by reminding us that just as the land needs rest, every one of us needs rest and renewal too. Perhaps holiness lives there as well.

This Shabbat, may we honor the quiet voices-past and present-that guide us back toward balance. And may all who nurture feel loved and appreciated.

This EKI is dedicated to my mom, Roz Lefko ❤️