Cooper’s Hawk : Observe and Remember

This is a Cooper’s Hawk. He’s hunting. I see a sentinel, laser-focused on the activity that sustains his life. Ornithologists report birds learn and remember good spots and return to them over years. Anecdotally, I’ve seen this Hawk before in this place. On a perch he knows, with skills honed to the nth degree, this Hawk’s “work” demonstrates his reason for being. I see intention.

Each Erev Shabbat, we joyfully welcome the Sabbath Bride into our lives with L’cha Dodi. We sing to acknowledge the simultaneous utterance of the single Commandment “to observe” and “to remember” Shabbat. Our Sages teach both this and that: the miracle at Sinai was to comprehend the simultaneity of this Divine message; as well, Tanakh establishes Shabbat as both the focal point of our week and as a constant presence infusing our week’s activities. I see intention.

Why did seeing this hawk instantly trigger the mental leap to Observe and Remember? Was it obvious? Maybe. But I would rather say that my gift of recognition resulted from my intentional receptivity, my work to “gather material” for Avian Rebbe writings. Kavanah coupled with Avodah gave me joyful, instant meaning when I saw the Cooper’s Hawk. Life becomes vastly richer, for both Hawk and person, when we Observe and Remember. I see intention.