In this meditation, we focus on the line from one of Balaam’s blessings, mah tovu ohelekha Yaakov, “how good are your tents, Yaakov, your dwelling places, Yisrael” (Numbers 24:5). Rashi comments that what Balaam saw in the Israelite tents that was good was that their openings were not set up to face one another, offering […]
MEDITATION: Staying In Your Own Tent (Parashat Balak) Read More »
We actually want to give, were born to give, and when allowed to do so freely, our gifts arise on their own and flow like water. (Click image to read more)
ESSAY: Not Forcing (Parashat Chukat) Read More »
In this meditation we look at the difference between God’s vision of how to get water from a rock and Moshe’s vision, the one being relational and honoring, allowing a process to unfold, and the other using aggression and force (Numbers 20:7-13). We consider how these processes apply to us internally and externally in our
MEDITATION: Not Forcing (Parashat Chukat) Read More »
What is the alternative to Korach’s mentality of comparison and discontent? Going back to Yaakov, we find an answer. (Click here to read more)
ESSAY: Knowing Our Own Wholeness (Parashat Korach) Read More »
In this meditation we explore the mentality of comparison and evaluation that leads to Korach’s envy and our own, and then we look to the much earlier Yaakov’s yesh li kol, “I have all,” meaning “I have everything I need” as an alternative orientation that allows the divine to fill us up and help us
MEDITATION: Knowing Our Own Wholeness (Parashat Korach) Read More »
Stay steady with God’s gaze upon you. See yourself as God see you and remember who you really are. (Click image to read more)
ESSAY: Tzitzit: Remembering Who We Are (Parashat Shelach) Read More »
In this meditation, we look at the mitzvah of tzitzit as a symbol of our “tie” to God and as a reminder of who we really are in our divine essence and of the loving way in which God continually gazes upon us. Sources:Numbers 15:38-39Sefat Emet, Shelach 5635 (4:6)Psalms 97:11Midrash Tanchuma Shelach 15:1Rashi on Numbers
MEDITATION: Tzitzit: Remembering Who We are (Parashat Shelach) Read More »
We cannot offer them anything if we are enmeshed with them, if we have collapsed into their despair and fear and hatred. (Click image to read more)
ESSAY: The Twin Powers of Arising and Returning (Parashat Beha’alotecha) Read More »
In this meditation, we look at the passage of vayehi beneso’a ha’aron as offering a healing mode in two parts. The first part, kumah — arising, involves empowering and separating from the difficult forces around us, the “haters” that are scattered by God’s power. The second part — shuvah — returning, involves turning back in
MEDITATION: The Twin Powers of Arising and Returning (Parashat Beha’alotecha) Read More »
You are not your feelings. You are the leader who tends to them. (Click image to read more)