Part of the immense stress many of us are experiencing right now is the weariness of being on high alert much of the time. Each new day brings more alarming news: Jewish Community Centers evacuated because of bomb threats, Jewish cemeteries vandalized, swastikas on the New York subways and the walls of local schools, and arguments with family and friends Continue Reading
Jewish Bedtime Prayer: May We Be Surrounded & Protected
There is a beautiful Jewish bedtime prayer invoking angels of protection, Michael, Uriel, Gavriel, and Raphael to surround us as we sleep. This prayer is part of the Bedtime Shema. I like to imagine that they hover over the 4 corners of my bed. I will be saying this prayer tonight with the imagery of the angelic presence hovering over our entire world, Continue Reading
Blessing Practice
As we begin to turn toward the season of forgiveness, for ourselves and others, there are several practices, we can learn that help soften our souls. One beautiful (and effective) practice that helps us cultivate compassion in and for ourselves and for others is called Blessing Practice (or Lovingkindness Practice). My teacher Sylvia Boorstein teaches about Continue Reading
Mary Oliver on Awe
Instructions for life: Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it. Mary Oliver (from her poem "Sometimes") This photo was taken on a walk around our neighborhood in Mar Vista (Los Angeles) - You can just be walking, and come upon such beauty! Click on the photo to really see how amazing this flower is! (for more beautiful up-close photography Continue Reading
