Forgiving Ourselves - A Yom Kippur Reflection
Transforming Pain to Build Peace - A Rosh Hashanah Reflection
Asking Questions - An Elul Reflection
Messy Conversations - A Reflection on Impact
Embracing Our Emotions
Intent vs. Impact - A Pride Reflection
Allowing for Amazement
I had the most incredible thing happen to me last Friday. Not only did I email with a singer/songwriter that I have loved for years, I also spoke to a kindred spirit and author who I have never heard of before that day. Here is how it happened.
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.
Captives of Hope
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?”
The Trapeze
The world feels overwhelming. I am so grateful to have friends and colleagues who are speaking in nuance and subtlety. Yet, the general noise and voices I have encountered are speaking in absolutes – right and wrong, good and bad, oppressor and victim. It all feels like too much.
Gratitude and Grief - A Thanksgiving Reflection
Many years ago, I was going through a particularly hard time in my life. Nine years after leaving my ex-husband, he took me to court and I was once again fighting for custody of my children. I was on the phone with a colleague, and she could tell that my voice was breaking.
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).
"(Don’t) Be Who You Are"
