See the Infinite
Last week the Torah called: Go.
Leave. Explore. Become.
This week the Torah calls: Sit.
Be still. Notice.
Avraham sat at the opening of the tent in the heat of the day.
He lifted his eyes
And saw that God, the Infinite Presence,
Is within all life.
The Infinite Presence
Is within love, turmoil, devastation and pain.
The Infinite Presence is in promise, hope
And possibilities not yet imagined.
This awareness filled Avraham
And he rose to meet all that life would bring.
What helps me meet all that arises?
How do I return to clarity and presence
Even as I get swept away
By waves of emotion,
By tumult and challenges that arrive each day?
Avraham saw.
He saw the Infinite Presence in all that he encountered.
And he saw the Infinite Presence in possibilities not yet revealed.
This week I set an intention to lift my eyes
And see the Infinite Presence.
I will practice seeing where it is easy.
I will see the Presence in the bright red leaves of Japanese maples.
I will see the Presence as I eat the fruit of the trees
And the vegetables of the earth.
And as fear and confusion arise,
I will practice seeing the Infinite Presence
As I pause to take a steady, deep breath.
Avraham sat at the opening of the tent in the heat of the day
And God appeared.
May we sit at the opening and see the Infinite Presence in all that swirls around and through us.
May we see the Infinite Presence in possibilities that lay beyond our imagination.
And may this awareness help us rise and meet well each new day.
Shalom,
— Rabbi Yael Levy
16 Cheshvan 5780
Rabbi Yael’s newly published book, Directing the Heart: Weekly Mindfulness Teachings and Practices from the Torah, offers short teachings and mindfulness practices for every Torah portion. The book guides us through the year, exploring how Jewish tradition, rituals and practices can help us navigate the blessings and challenges of life.
Directing the Heart begins with Parshat Beresheet, the first in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading. Purchase the book to follow along in 5780 starting from the Book of Genesis.
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