Teachings Archive

In the midst of destruction, let us not be deterred. In the face of all that is, let us keep kindling flames, raising up love, generosity, goodness and care.

We might notice the light as a color. We might feel its vibrations as it travels with the breath.

On this seventh day of Chanukah and Rosh Hodesh Tevet, we sit in Or Chayim, the light of life, opening ourselves to the mysterious life force that shines through all the worlds.

Shalom, wholeness, peace, the vibrations fill and hold us.

Blessings abound. Even in the turmoil, even amid all the brokenness, blessings abound. Life is filled with treasures.

In Miketz, the Torah portion we read this Shabbat Chanukah, Joseph is struggling to remember who he his and what his life is about. Dreams give him a glimpse into the mystery and provide him with vision and insight.

Everything that we are feeling and everything that arises is held in a compassionate embrace.

Tradition teaches that the fist prayer we are to say upon awakening each morning is modah ani lefanecha—I am grateful and in relationship with the Infinite Presence of all life. The prayer ends with the phrase rabah emunatecha, great is your faith in me—rabah emunatecha, the Infinite Presence has great faith in me.

Love flows from trees, sky and waters.  Love flows through birds, plants, animals and stars. The web that connects us all is love.

The mystics teach that the flames of Chanukah echo from the beginning of creation and send forth lights of chen—grace—pure love, freely given. To sit in this light is to be embraced and renewed by graciousness and love.