Being In Mitzrayim (Narrowness)—A Passover Reflection
The Esther In Us All — A Purim Reflection
Light in the Shadows — A Chanukah Reflection
Holy Chutzpah—A High Holiday Reflection
Asking Hard Questions - a passover reflection
Leaning into Chaos - A Purim Reflection
Forgiving Ourselves - A Yom Kippur Reflection
Transforming Pain to Build Peace - A Rosh Hashanah Reflection
Asking Questions - An Elul Reflection
Listening - A Passover Reflection
This year, on Passover, my family will add a seashell to our seder plate. The kind you put to your ear and listen for the sound of the ocean. It is a new ritual to honor the moment we are in. This year, we want to listen more than speak. We honor that we are all holding truths, we are all in pain, we are all in our own way devastated by what is going on.
Listening to our song
I was speaking to a friend yesterday about my forthcoming book. We were discussing what quote I would like to use on the back cover. My initial thought was a quote from Mary Oliver, “What is it that you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
A Vision of Peace and Safety
Last night, on the fourth night of Chanukah, I sat with family, looking at the flames, eating some latkes. We talked about the holiday and how difficult it was to celebrate this year.
Forgiving Oneself - Ourself!
As I sit here re-reading this Yom Kippur reflection, I notice that this may be overwhelming for some, it discusses requirements of arranged marriage and the practice of hair-shaving for religious purposes. Please read with care and put it aside if it stirs up too much.
The New Year's Calling
I am not one of those people who look at the New Year as a time to write up goals or resolutions. To me the Jewish New Year has always been about reflecting, noticing where I am, what is working, and what I would like to change. It is a time to observe what is, and figure out where to go from there.
Timing: A Purim Reflection
In the Book of Esther, which is read on the Jewish holiday of Purim, we find that after Esther finds out about the plot to kill the Jews she invites her husband, the king, as well as his advisor Haman to a banquet.
Remembering: A Yom Kippur Reflection
On Sunday afternoon, the Eve of Rosh Hashanah, I found myself driving down to the southern New Jersey cemetery where my maternal grandparents are buried. It is customary to go to the graves of loved ones before the High Holidays, but I rarely actually do this ritual. I have been known to visit loved one’s burial sites on their Yahrtzeit (the anniversary of their death).
Seeing Possibility - A Passover Reflection
The Blessing of Change
People are looking at their lives and asking themselves, does this work for me?Does what I have always done feed me? Nourish me? Allow me to be who I want to be in the world?