This tekhine connects the mitzvahLit. Commandment. It is traditionally held that there are 613 mitzvot (plural) in Judaism, both postive commandments (mandating actions) and negative commandments (prohibiting actions). Mitzvah has also become colloquially assumed to mean the idea of a “good deed." of honoring our parents with the mitzvah of caring for Mother Earth. Some understand the human abuse of Mother Earth as an extension of patriarchal violence against women. If we read our relationship with Earth as that of children toward a parent and bring in the mitzvah of honoring our parents, then our use of the word “mother” in this context shifts to one of respect and responsibility. This tekhine helps to realign ourselves with our ethical obligations. I chose to call this a tekhine and not tefillahLit. Prayerspecifically because I wanted to connect it to the long tradition of women’s liturgy, which was often used as a kavannahLit. Intention Refers both to one’s intention when performing a mitzvah or when focusing for prayer. Kavanah also refers to specific readings to help focus one's attention prior to performing an act. (intention) before preforming a mitzvah.
