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!

 https://www.instagram.com/p/DOyVnUjjhK1/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Elul 22

We have free choice.  What does that look like for you?

Rambam 7:1 (https://www.sefaria.org/Mishneh_Torah%2C_Repentance.7.1?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en)

הוֹאִיל וּרְשׁוּת כָּל אָדָם נְתוּנָה לוֹ כְּמוֹ שֶׁבֵּאַרְנוּ יִשְׁתַּדֵּל אָדָם לַעֲשׂוֹת תְּשׁוּבָה וּלְהִתְוַדּוֹת בְּפִיו מֵחֲטָאָיו וְלִנְעֹר כַּפָּיו מֵחֲטָאָיו כְּדֵי שֶׁיָּמוּת וְהוּא בַּעַל תְּשׁוּבָה וְיִזְכֶּה לְחַיֵּי הָעוֹלָם הַבָּא:

Since free choice is granted to all men as explained, a person should always strive to do Teshuvah and to confess verbally for his sins, striving to cleanse his hands from sin in order that he may die as a Baal-Teshuvah and merit the life of the world to come.

Teshuvah is not a one day process.  We have to always remember that there is work to do.

At the same time, this does not have to be miserable.  This can actually be joyful.  We can find blessing in this process.  As we work on ourselves, we can find hope and possibility.  Our capacity for growth is endless.  

Heaven is for everyone-Elul 16

 One of the greatest lessons of Judaism is that the righteous of all nations have a place in the world to come.  

Our theology is not exclusive. 

We do not require every human being to know God the way we hope to or to live with the mitzvot (commandments) between God and the Jewish people.  Instead we pray that all people can be the best versions of themselves, that they can serve their vision of our shared Creator with love and peace.  

We have the Noachide Laws (https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/the-noahide-laws/) which are seen as incumbent upon all human beings, and those traditions are much more inclusive.  

Jews generally do not imagine a heaven with great fences or walls.  While Jews have many visions of what Gan Eden or Olam Habaah truly are, most visions are fairly universal and open.

As we get closer to Rosh Hashanah, let us find a path to holiness that is openminded and welcoming.

Elul 15--A Reawakening!

Hi Friends,

I am working on resurrecting my idea for More Joy, Less Oy!

For now, I have begun posting on instagram and Facebook:

https://www.instagram.com/morejoy_lessoy/

https://www.facebook.com/morejoylessoy

Each day of Elul, I have a summary of an idea about teshuvah/repentance/return from Rambam with a little word from me!

I can't believe we are more than halfway through Elul!  Rosh Hashanah is coming!

The full moon behind the clouds last night was gorgeous.

Genesis 48

 My video for Genesis 48 can be found on instagram:

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A post shared by Rabbi-Phil Weintraub (@rabbiphil)