The Heart Moon is a month of reflection and renewal at the very beginning of Autumn when the weather is still hot and dry. The Heart Moon is the most sacred Avodai month during which the Week of Returning & Becoming takes place.

Week of Returning & Becoming |  23rd to 30th  #

 While no one is under any obligation to accept an apology, an apology is only considered complete if it includes a plan for change and rectification of the wrong. People often spend long periods in meditation and contemplation. During this time those who turned 13 in the past year, spend extra time contemplating who and what they want to be as the Lightkindler Ceremony takes place during the next moon. 

People give heavily to The Loving Kindness Committee and other charities. The week ends with a full day of heartfelt prayer for forgiveness for all beings.

Families then break the fast with a celebration of the renewal of the soul and hope for the New Year. The meal marks the end of the Week of Returning & Becoming and the start of the Harvest Festival. The meal is served in a large tent in Kahal Square. 

Tables overflow with delicious symbolic food including sweet round bread for continuity, pomegranates for wisdom, black eyed peas for abundance, and honey for a sweet year. Popular dishes include Black-eyed pea stew, eggplant galettes, pomegranate & dried fruit couscous, pomegranate slaw, yam croquettes, sautéed okra, honey cakes, and plum tarts.

All are invited, including our Lumdai neighbors!