Hanukah has a clear spiritual meaning. On one level, it’s simple. And, on another, it’s mystical. Winter is a dark time. Daylight is short. Night is long. With just a few hours of sun, we humans don’t get enough vitamin D. So we get a little depressed. We need a lift. Something to substitute for…
Category: Spirituality
Mystical Morals for Abraham
Melchizedek: the mystical stranger who shows up to bless Abraham. And then disappears. Is he even real—not historically, but in the story? Or is he just one of Abraham’s visions? And why would we care? Because the answer tells us something about the nature of mystical experience. How it relates to emotion. And also to morality.…
Infinity: God in My Soul
Infinity: A perfect topic for my interview on this innovative podcast. It’s called PTR: Philosophy, Theology, and Religious studies. Or, if you prefer, “Poststructuralist Tent Revival.” PTR is hosted by Jacob Given, a doctoral student at Villanova University. Here we discuss ideas from my book The Infinity Inside: infinity, kabbalah, God’s existence, dreams, and mystical…
Negative Thoughts, Be Gone!
Negative thoughts, be gone! I’m reading the handbook for combatting demons by Evagrius Ponticus, a 4th c. Christian monk. He clearly states that his demons are negative thoughts. And that he talks back to them–in Bible verses. Evagrius’s handbook is very personal. It’s a long list of his own habitual negative thoughts and the verses…
Creative Meditation
A creative meditation. Designed to connect you with the creative resources in your own psyche. It’s based on a creative reading of the Bible’s donkey stories. The typical donkey scene in the Bible stars a human character who isn’t sure where they are going or what they will do when they arrive. But, they saddle…
(Don)key to Redemption
The Biblical donkey is here, to talk about redemption. Especially about our role in it. So, let’s hear what the donkey has to say. Balaam’s Donkey King Balak of Moab hires the seer Balaam to curse the Israelites. Balaam is a dedicated follower of Hashem. So, when God comes to him in a dream and…
Niggun: Mantra of Calm
What is a niggun? Simply put: a niggun is a wordless melody. But, in spiritual work, it is more than that. A niggun is a melody of the soul. An expression from the heart of the composer. Or a soothing vibration gifted by another. Even, sometimes, a guide on an inner journey. If you’re lucky,…
R. Zalman: God's Soul-Friend
Yahrzeit of Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, z”l. Fifth day of the Hebrew month of Tammuz. So, in Reb Zalman’s honour, ALEPH Canada hosted a special Zoom event. Ten of Reb Zalman’s many Canadian students shared memories, poetry, story, or music.* Here is a short video of the words and music I was able to offer with…
Hope & Solidarity
Hope and Solidarity. Antidotes — we hope — to uncertainty and anxiety. Across Canada, religious communities have come together. How could this solidarity change us for the better? Contribute to a resilient society? Provide better support for those most vulnerable? In this 30-minute panel discussion, three religious leaders explore those questions. This webinar series is…
Love: Fast & Feast Together
Love. A good topic for “Virtual Ramadan,” an inter-faith celebration, hosted by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. I’m a long-time friend of the Baitur Rahman mosque in Delta BC. So, the group invited me to speak. Specifically, about our common Jewish and Islamic traditions of fasting and sacrifice. But with my own interpretation: both are practices…