Psalm 4: Music can be healing! Use your whole self.

Start with some music. We call out to God with our whole selves, with instruments and voice. Whether the moment is beautiful or challenged, we can remember we are not alone. We have obligations, responsibilities, commandments. We need to do right and do good. God is merciful AND we strive to deserve that grace.

Is there a song that can change your mood?

Psalm 11: Where do we find our spiritual selves?

 

Shavua tov!

Where do we restore ourselves and our souls? It often seems that the wickedness and falsehood make quick progress in the world, while righteousness and truth move more slowly. Sometimes we need to pause to restore ourselves so that we can keep going. Finding refuge in God is one way to recharge. We pray that the presence of God among the righteous is soon!

Where do we find our spiritual selves? Can we build a palace in time?

Psalm 3: What do we do when we feel overwhelmed?

Some days can be overwhelming. Nothing seems to go right. Even there, we can find strength. We can cry out to our Creator, and discover the answer is close to home. Sometimes the answer is as simple as a good night’s sleep! We cannot accomplish everything today. We do what we can and try again tomorrow. We are not alone.

Where do you share your strongest feelings?

Psalm 2: Popularity does not equal truth.

Just because something is popular, does not make it correct. From time immemorial, the nations of the world have mixed up values. Antisemitism is not a new phenomenon. Regardless of the world around us, we must strive to do right. We must strive to follow our path. Happy are those that take refuge with God.

Where do you see glimmers of truth shining through this world?

Psalms for Elul and Beyond

As we prepare for 5787, I want to share a brief teaching each day on a concept from the Psalms. Tehillim is an incredible gift to the Jewish people and beyond.

Many recite them in times of trouble or travail. They inspire us with the reminders of faith, hope and love.

They express our frustration and disappointment. They speak to our joy. Every emotion is found in the Psalms.

Each is unique and multifaceted.

The very first word of the Psalms is “Happy.”

From there we see that happiness comes from avoiding the wicked, studying our texts and seeing oneself and the world like a well rooted tree by the water that fruits in the proper seasons.  We see the power of choice—avoid those who drag you down—instead look to the sources that lead you in the right direction.

What would our new year look like if we started out with joy?

Shabbat Shuvah

Shabbat Shuvah (instagram link)

Tonight begins Shabbat Shuvah.  This is a special Shabbat, between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.  Historically, it was one of two times a year when rabbis gave sermons.  Nowadays, it is a Shabbat when rabbis rarely speak!  

The work of teshuvah continues through Yom Kippur and beyond.  Our sacred journey does not end next week, but continues through our lives.  Each day is an opportunity for growth.

This week I am trying to ensure that I care for my health, as well as my soul.  I am trying to create space for exercise, prayer, meditation, and healthy eating.  Some days are going better than others, but even as I work to ensure that Yom Kippur, Sukkot and Simchat Torah are meaningful and joyous times for our community, I cannot forget to care for myself and my own soul!

What are you doing to care for your soul this week?

Elul 26--Tell me about the world to come

There is a beautiful story told of the world to come by Rabbi Chaim of Romshishok.  There are variants in many other faith traditions, too.  His vision speaks of heaven and hell, not something we often speak of in the Jewish tradition.  Either way, both places initially look the same.  There is a tremendous table overflowing with delicious foods of all sorts, foods that are the favorites of the people at the table.  They can smell them, look at them, but the individuals have one challenge.  Their arms are locked at the elbows so they are incapable of feeding themselves.  In the hell vision, the people are starving looking at the food, tortured by what they cannot ever access.  In the vision of heaven, the people use long spoons/utensils and feed each other.  They do not go hungry and are enjoying the feast as they care for one another.

While that vision may not be for everyone, I do believe that this world can feel like heaven or hell depending on how we treat others.  When we are compassionate; when we look out for one another; when we lift each other up; this world can feel heavenly.  When we are looking at everyone suspiciously, with hatred and increasing strife; this world can feel hellish.  

I know which world I'd like to live in.  Which world would you like to live in?

I don't think we need to wait for the world to come to find a taste of heaven.  I pray this Shabbat is one for you!

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