Rosh Hashanah 2019 This is the sermon I delivered on Rosh Hashanah at the Jewish Collaborative of Orange County. People asked to read it - so here it is: Rabbi Alan Lew, of blessed memory, writes that the High Holy Days season promises nothing less than total personal transformation - IF we do the work, and pay attention. Each of us should leave Continue Reading
7 Spiritual Tips to Maintain Your Sanity When The News Is Challenging
Just Because The News Is Out Of Control, Doesn't Mean You Have To Be These days, we are on an emotional rollercoaster and no matter what happens with the current painful political situation in the United States, this “thrill ride” is not ending anytime soon. Things have really heated up with our country’s multiple crises. Therefore, many people I know are Continue Reading
Seeking Awe Is A Spiritual Practice
Awe is a spiritual practice. Every day, intend to experience a sense of wonder in what you will encounter. It could be a baby's laughter in the grocery line ahead of you. It might be noticing a tulip bulb as it begins to appear in the soil after a winter sleep. Perhaps it is observing that you breathe without any conscious effort on your part. Miracles Continue Reading
the silence that speaks
Upon awakening the first morning in our new place, the very first thing I noticed was the deep silence. Instinctively I took the deepest breath I had taken in months. Until we moved here to Laguna Woods, I didn’t even realize the noise level in west Los Angeles. I had obviously gotten accustomed to the constant roar of the freeway and the city Continue Reading
Lift Out of Despair
I honestly can’t remember a time like this before. I know I’m not alone. Many of us are living with outrage, fear or anxiety front and center. It might be the relentless beat of painful world events. Or it could be something personal: a difficult diagnosis, coping with chronic illness, or the loss of someone important. Or more likely, a combination. A few Continue Reading