Our world is filled with information about appearances: which car to drive, which lipstick to wear, what to say in a job interview. Images of people getting it right look back at us from every screen. Ridicule of people getting it wrong hoots and hollers from magazines. Serious social critics talk about how hard this…
Milk and Honey
When you come to a place of spiritual fulfillment, an inner place that finally feels like “home,” notice what ripens inside you. Gather it together, and go to the inner place where you feel close to God, where you feel that Someone will witness your words. And say: When an older version of me first…
Love on Shabbat
A stranger at the door, summarizing his problems as best he can, asking for help. A familiar face, speaking of health concerns. A newer face, interested in conversion, eager to tell a not-so-simple story. Long-time regulars, reminding themselves in my presence to schedule the study session, order supplies for the children’s program, organize a special…
Bnei Mitzvah in the Garden
At the beginning of our first class meeting we were all a bit nervous…could we have a good class with only three students, two boys and a girl, all age 12? But it’s clear: Yes we can! We are already enjoying the benefits that come with a small group: flexibility and easy group bonding. Today’s…
Since Before Creation
You were before creation You have been since creation You are in this world And You will be in the next world This metaphysical teaching is found in Birchot Hashachar, “dawn blessings,” from the daily Jewish liturgy. Originally, the blessings were a series of early morning meditations designed to help us wake right into spiritual…
Noah's Ark
Recently a new small animal came under my care. He is a very friendly, curious little newt, with a bright red belly. His companion is a catfish. The two live together in a tank that glows green with tiny plants covering the surface of the water. A small cadre of snails helps the catfish maintain…
God's True Name
Sometimes people ask me, why, in Judaism, is there a reluctance to pronounce God’s true name out loud? Historical answers are available, and here is a link to a good one. But sometimes I offer a spiritual answer, too. We don’t have a definitive pronunciation of God’s name, because no one knows what the true…
Into the Dark
In the dark night of the forest, in a small clearing illuminated by a fire ring, we sat with our teenage children, and sang. We sang campfire songs, Beatles songs, favorite pop songs. We sang: If heaven and hell decide that they both are satisfied Illuminate the “nos” on their vacancy signs If there’s no…
Breathing into Consciousness
How does one explain that we live at multiple levels of consciousness? That our bodies, hearts and minds are each occupied with their own concerns, all at the same time? That we need only learn how to direct our attention to each and a richer life will be available to us? That the “four worlds…
Which God?
I am in New York City, again, where my mother lives. Someone makes a joke about retirement. “Life begins after the kids leave home and the dog dies.” But I do not laugh. The joker could not possibly know: two weeks ago my mom’s beloved dog died and yesterday my mom had had a heart…