High Holy Day Soul-Work, Part 2 The overarching theme of the High Holy Days is acknowledging brokenness and seeking wholeness. In last week's blog post, I wrote about how essential it is for each of us to “do our own soul work” during the month of Elul, the month that precedes Rosh Hashanah. Several core stories provide the metaphors we need on this Continue Reading
Elul Reflection: From Pain to Miracle; Part 3
High Holy Day Soul-Work We have the entire month of Elul (which precedes the Jewish High Holy Days) to do the essential soul reflection necessary to make this time meaningful. When we take this month seriously, a transformation of our very selves is possible. The fundamental journey at this time of year is one from brokenness to wholeness. Do any parts Continue Reading
Prepare Your Soul For The High Holy Days, Part 1
In the waning days of summer, when you want to hang on to every last moment, there is another fragrance that begins to enter your consciousness. The wafts of the High Holy Day season reach you at your outer edges. In the middle of planning one last summer excursion, you may remember that you have to make additional plans. Soul plans. Each and every Continue Reading
Shabbat is The Day We Let Go of the Illusion…
Shabbat is the day we let go of the illusion that we are in control. We accept the world as it is given, rather than trying to mold it to our wishes. We are free to impose our will by DO-ing six days of the week. On the seventh day, Shabbat, we are supposed to take a breath and just BE. I love Rabbi Alan Lew's teaching that on Shabbat, God takes a breath. Continue Reading
Chanukah 2018: 5th Night is About Books & Movies That Inspire You
Tonight we light the 5th candle. Here's the question: what five books have been influential or made a difference in your life? If you want, you can also include movies that make you laugh or cry. Here are mine (it was very difficult to only choose five): Torah- especially the stories in Genesis & the wisdom gained from wrestling with the imperfect Continue Reading