The Spring Thing

The ordinarily light umber hillsides are currently green. Flocks of folks in black and white garb are congregating by orchards to bless tree blossoms. Certain items, in certain stores, have been sold out. It’s the spring thing.

Calendars are filling with weddings. Pastures are sporting many new lambs and kids. Human children are itching for Pesach vacation. It’s the spring thing.

Vining plants are sprouting fresh growth. Car washes are filled with bumper to bumper queues. Restaurants are closing in anticipation of renovations. It’s the spring thing.

On many neighborhood corners, large caldrons await persons seeking to toivel vessels. Trees echo with raucous birds declaring their domains and seeking mates. Boys and girls clamor to play outside. It’s the spring thing.

Yeshivot and seminaries empty out. Small kittens begin to appear between parked cars. Kitchen counters, light switches, cell phones, and backpacks are scrubbed. It’s the spring thing.

Rain falls intermittently. Husbands take vacation days, here and there, to help their wives. Teens insist on new garb, in the “latest fashion.” It’s the spring thing.

Insects deign to enter open windows. Siblings, who are unbothered by crumbs, fight with newfound ferocity. Abbot review the prayers and songs of the Seder. It’s the spring thing.

Imot pour over menu ideas. Puppies break free of leashes to run with their two-footed companions. Kollel members discuss the intricacies of halacha for when Shabbos ends where Pesach begins. It’s the spring thing.

More and more laundry is hung on outside lines and rails. House pets get zoomies, Cereal found beneath cushions, under beds, and in closets is disdainfully tossed away. It’s the spring thing.

Extra tables, chairs, mattresses and bedding are borrowed. Anemones, cyclamens, narcissuses, lupines, and poppies cover fields. Fresh garlic shows up in the shuk. It’s the spring thing.

Outside temperatures soar above normal. Outside temperatures dip below average. Families reserve campground spaces for Mo’ed. It’s the spring thing.

Rosh Chodesh Nissan reminds us of life’s cycles. Seasonal warmth enables rafting and water hikes. Lots of kitniyot-free products are offered by supermarkets.  It’s the spring thing.

Strawberry picking is in progress. Snakes emerge from brumation as do turtles from hibernation. Grandparents visit their generations. It’s the spring thing.

The aroma of matzah balls fills the air alongside of the scent of pot roast, chicken soup, and sauteed spinach. Pollen counts increase. Heirloom Haggadot are revealed in closets. It’s the spring thing.

Yesterday, we brought the paschal lamb to the Temple for sacrifice. Today, we offer up holiday devotions. Tomorrow, IYH, we’ll greet Moshiach. It’s the spring thing.