Tonight’s question for this 7th night of Hanukkah is: What seven things or experiences bring you joy? Reb Nachman of Bratzlav taught: “Joy is not merely incidental to your spiritual quest, it is vital.” Despite Reb Nachman’s periodic bouts of severe depression, he stressed the importance of seeking joy." Having a regular spiritual practice of Continue Reading
Hanukkah Night #8: What Brings You Joy?
Tonight we light the 8th candle for Hanukkah and ask the final question. Tonight, each candle is about JOY & laughter. When we collect moments of joy, we bring light into our lives. Tonight's question for journaling and discussion is: What 8 things bring you joy or laughter? Here are mine: Reading Tales of the Holy Mysticat, Jewish Wisdom Continue Reading
Chanukah Night #8: Joy
Tonight we light the 8th candle for Chanukah and ask the final question, which is about JOY & Laughter. Tonight's question is this: What 8 things bring you joy or laughter? Watching birds soaring on the shifting currents of the air. It makes me stop for a second and ponder that feeling of just letting be…I also love watching the hummingbirds and Continue Reading
Music For This Moment – COVID-19 Playlist
Music is one of the things that so heals the soul - a universal language that touches us in places that words alone cannot. I have always loved different kinds of music and so as I sat listening to the evening news, disheartened and feeling a bit of panic - I started thinking about what piece of music would be uplifting. I was looking for music for this Continue Reading
Hold Both Truth & Joy
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