In the initial shock of the aftermath of the October 7 massacres in Israel, and every day since people say to me: "I have no words." Whether they are speaking about the hostages, the slaughters, or the photos of young soldiers dying in Israel, or the children and innocents in Gaza who sit among the ruins - we have entered a time of profound sadness. For Continue Reading
Hanukkah Night #7: Grateful
Tonight we light the 7th candle of Hanukkah. All throughout this holiday, we have been collecting the ways we actively bring light into our lives, or how we recognize the light. Every night we light one more candle, following the principle of gradually increasing the light (Talmud, Shabbat 21b:5) The experience of being grateful fills us with light. Continue Reading
Hanukkah Night #5: Books & Movies
Tonight we light the 5th Chanukah candle. Here's tonight's question: What are 5 books that have been influential or made a difference to you this year? This year, my selections represent the kind of learning and comfort I needed. Here is my list for this year with a quote from each one: Braiding Sweetgrass, Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge Continue Reading
Hanukkah Night #4: Comfort Foods
Tonight we light the 4th candle of Chanukah. Our discussion question tonight should be fun! As we continue to light the lights: What four foods have been comforting to you this past year? They don’t *have* to be Chanukah food, but if that is what comes to mind, all the more perfect. To be honest, when I am under stress, I lose my appetite, and Continue Reading
Chanukah Night #7: Grateful
Tonight we light the 7th candle of Chanukah. The question today is: For what 7 things are you grateful? Here are mine (not in order): Creativity - the constant flow of ideas and projects that stimulate and give me a zest for life. This takes the form of putting lesson plans together or knitting or gardening or taking photos. Creativity is like a Continue Reading