As we stand on the threshold of the New Year,
May the skies encourage a vast perspective that opens us to possibilities not yet imagined,
May the fires of devotion inspire loving, courageous, effective actions.
You stand here with all those you love,
And with all those whose actions and values you despise.
I will wait for you to awaken,
I will wait for you to remember
That you were born into this fragile existence
To let your heart shatter and shine.
Every day,
We face choices.
How will we respond to all we encounter?
Where will we give our attention, our heart?
A song for the soul as we move from tisha b’av and begin to turn toward the journey into the New Year.
Read MoreA prayer for Tisha b’Av, adapted from sim shalom, the closing prayer in the Amida
Read MoreAs we enter the month of Av,
With the brokenness of the world revealed,
We can find among the fragments
Paths of healing.
I am finding it helpful to take on a dedicated compassion practice these days.
Read MoreMany years ago I was taught a practice of praying with the news. I have shared it over the years and it feels like an important practice to return to now.
Read MoreMay we leave beauty and goodness in our wake,
So the world is a better place,
For us having shared our songs.
The Infinite One is our refuge and strength,
Our help in distress,
Very present, always here. (Psalm 46:2)
In this week’s Torah portion Shelach lecha,
We watch as fear takes hold,
Distorts perception,
And strangles possibilities.
I am above the nations. I am above the earth.
And I am with you.
May we care for the wild places, honoring and protecting them. The well-being of all depends upon their gifts.
Read MoreLet us make holy our words and actions.
May the fires we tend light the way.
We begin Vayikra, the third book of the Torah, this week.
May echoes from these ancient texts hold and guide us.
Read MoreFear, as we know, is highly contagious.
Fear can make us forget what is important,
It can cause us to disregard what we know is true.
Read MoreWhat do we place upon our hearts
To help us serve with dignity, in harmony and truth? (Exodus 28:2)
Read MoreBe with people whose values you share, gather with those who love what you love. Do not be afraid of sadness and pain. Find comfort and support among those who are also hurting.
Read More