|
I love Shavuot, because it's our mountain climbing holiday! We stand at Mount Sinai and receive the gift of Torah once again.
We never hike the same mountain twice. The weather and our companions always define the experience, and whatever is going on in the world within us and the world around us often frames our time on the trail. This is also true for the Torah we receive each year. We never hear the same story twice, because we are changing and growing. And our world is certainly in flux. This year I've been thinking about the hardest section of a mountain climb. It's not the very first steps, because those are full of excitement and energy, even if there's a dose of trepidation. The most challenging part, in my experience, is what follows. It's the initial stretch before you've earned a water break or a view. Sometimes you can still hear cars driving on the road. It's all work and no glory. But it's the foundation of the journey, so you can't skip it. It turns out the hardest of the 10 commandments given at Sinai may be found in a similar spot: not the first instruction but the second one. The first announces the relationship: "I am the Eternal your God who brought you out of the land Egypt." It's exciting and energizing, even if there's a dose of intimidation. But then the second commandment explains: "You shall have no other gods besides Me." Our ancient ancestors were very concerned about idol worship. Although most of us are probably immune to the allure of the gods Ba'al and Asherah, we're upset and angry about our country's continued struggle with other forms of idolatry: the worship of power; the worship of guns; and the worship of individual rights, except, of course, when it comes to a woman's choice. This year ascending the mountain feels like fleeing to the hills, as the waters of despair and destruction roll in. What I am holding in my heart is the possibility that the wisdom of mountain climbing can guide us. We are in that hardest stretch at the base of the hill, at the beginning of the commandments. That's the reality. But if we can elevate what matters most - family, justice, compassion and peace - above all other temptations, we will make progress. If we can worship the source of these values, or at least commit ourselves to expanding their presence in our lives, then change will come. Step by step, the climb will grow easier. We will build momentum, hope and perspective. May this year's climb energize us. May the view inspire. May we find healing and health in the hills.
0 Comments
As we reach the close of this most unusual and challenging school year, I'm feeling many emotions all at once. Jewish wisdom invites us to mark these moments in time with blessings. I offer these words for all of us who have been caring for the children in our midst.
May we allow ourselves to exhale. May we feel relief alongside our exhaustion. It was uncertain and imperfect. But our children learned and grew. We witnessed resilience and flexibility come through. We found masks that fit. We remembered the daily health forms. We stayed home and got tested for the community's sake and our own peace of mind. We balanced physical risk and mental health. Our teachers reimagined their classrooms and routines. Our kids learned to sit at desks and all sorts of computer skills. We learned how to keep them company and let them be. We discovered new depths of fear and new sources of gratitude. Each phase came with a pivot, and we found our way through. Source of Life and Love, Holy One of Blessing, Thank you for the gifts of our precious lives, For the strength to take on challenges small and large, For the support we feel when we reach out to one another. Grateful are we for reaching this season of the year. After what felt like too many days of gray skies leading into 24 hours of heavy rain, my daughter and I managed to get outside for some fresh air and exercise late on Saturday afternoon.
When we turned to head home on the Boston Post Road, we could not believe our eyes. The setting sun was remarkably bright and beautiful. It looked like a ball of fire dropping into the horizon! I did some research to better understand the sight we beheld. How could a setting sun produce so much light? One of the explanations felt obvious once I read it, and yet, it was exactly the message I needed: During sunset, the sun remains in the sky even after it has mostly gone dark. Our eyes are adjusted to lower light, and so the sun appears brighter. After being immersed in darkness for such a long time, we have arrived at a surprising opportunity. Now a small amount of light holds the power to transform our world. This is the miracle of Chanukah, back then and right now: One flame can pierce the darkness. A little bit goes a long way. And if we dedicate ourselves for 8 days, we'll see and feel a difference. So this Chanukah, let's dedicate ourselves to introducing new sources of light in our windows and on our tables, in our relationships and our routines, and in what we read and share with one another. There's a lot of darkness to dispel, but a little bit of effort, attention and play can truly brighten our days! For families with kids at home, I put together 8 Nights: 8 Ways to Celebrate with Light as a guide for spreading light and marking the holiday together. We're also gathering on Zoom this Saturday for a special book reading and latke demo (details below). For all of us, may we count the miracles in our lives right now - small and large. May our eyes soon sense a new surge of light, love and connection. May the sparks of change glow within us and around us and become an amazing sight to behold. Tonight begins the holy day of Shavuot. 7 weeks after our annual exodus from Egypt, we stand at Sinai to receive Torah anew.
The image I've always associated with this core collective memory is a throng of people at the base of the mountain. Adults are shoulder to shoulder, with babies held close and children grabbing onto a parent's hand or leg. We stand as one. This year my mind envisions a similar but distinct scene with everyone, or at least family units, spaced 6 ft. apart. We stand together, but also apart. So how might we bridge that space between us? On this holiday often celebrated with all night study sessions, it's clear we are each learning so much life wisdom right now. An amazing amount of Torah is being revealed and received. The teachings may not be new, but we are seeing them with new clarity and holding onto them with new conviction.
PLEASE share your response to one of the questions above - either by replying to this email or through this form. I'll collect all the insights, and share them back. Don't overthink. Do it now. Just one. It's Shavuot. Whether you're down the street in Larchmont, or a friend further away, share what's true for you. This will bridge that space between us. This is how we stand together, and also apart. This is how we put Jewish wisdom in dialogue with modern life. This is how we create Sanctuary when we need it most. 3/31/2020 0 Comments Salt Water Tears & Signs of SpringWe’ve basically stopped using our front door. Our shoes, jackets and hats have all migrated to the back of our house. Because when we go out, it’s now almost always into our yard.
Our red front door facing the outside world has started to remind me of the thresholds the Israelites painted with blood that night before leaving Egypt. They were seeking protection, praying that the terrifying plague would pass over their homes. The list of what makes this Passover different from all other Passovers is long: Our gatherings will be small, our menu will be simple, the hand washing will be less obscure, and the story may feel closer to home. I know it may be overwhelming to even think about gathering your household at the table for a seder of sorts this year. But I also know that, if we can create an opening, the ritual will bring new power, comfort and connection. Because that’s how the Exodus began: with households gathered in their own homes for a special meal of gratitude, feeling both eager and anxious to leave their place. Like us, the Israelites were confronting an unethical ruler driven by ego. Fed up and frustrated, they cried out for help, but didn’t understand exactly how liberation would be possible. Like us, they didn’t know how they’d get through to the other side of the sea or travel through the wilderness or what they’d find when they eventually reached the Promised Land. Despite all these fears and unknowns, the people managed to band together, and recognize a larger Force in their lives. They navigated the way one step and one day at a time. And that’s my hope for all of us in the weeks ahead. With this in mind, our upcoming Circles and Gatherings (see that page) will focus on the wisdom of Passover. We'll even make our own matzah, because all you need is flour, water and 18 minutes! May we learn to blend bitter with sweet, fear with love, and the tears of so many losses with hopeful signs of spring. May the courageous ones who cannot work from home stay safe and protected. May all who suffer find relief. 2/25/2020 0 Comments What language does your soul speak? Music, nature, or bedtime stories? Now is the time to find out!This past July, every Tuesday at 2p, I would sign into a zoom call and land in a beautiful circle of parents facilitated by an educator in Jerusalem who had just put her own children to bed. Each week for an hour, we'd step back from our daily routines of parenting and focus on who we each were becoming as parents.
We spoke about souls - the souls of our children, the souls of our partners, and the souls that make us our unique selves. We grounded the conversation in Jewish wisdom, and shared stories about the struggles, challenges, and profound moments of accompanying our children through life. The meetings were transformational, and after the summer series ended, I missed the weekly ritual we had created. So I signed up for the next series on love, and am looking forward to the May meetings on presence. Most of all, I am very excited to share the same Becoming a Soulful Parent curriculum with you starting next month (more details here). With everything going on in the world around us - the Coronavirus spreading, the Democratic candidates debating, the Russian bots and trolls looming, and the snowless winter confusing our internal clocks - I become overwhelmed, and I know many of you do, too. Then I take a breath, and remember: With everything going on in the world around us, making space to consider and refine how we are bringing ourselves to the enormous task of raising the next generation is crucial. Now is the time to focus on the preciousness of human souls, our core characters, and the divine sparks within that make us feel most grounded in life and connected to others. The world needs us to be more human than ever, and I think that starts with soul speak. Our ancient ancestors employed one Hebrew word nefesh to describe our throat and neck (that allow for breathing), breath itself, a living being, one's personality, and one's center of feelings and perceptions. Our best attempt to convey this range of meanings in English is to speak of the "soul." One practice for hearing what our soul has to say involves sitting quietly and breathing, and then speaking honestly about our experience of life. More often than not, we have to help the soul open up. It's not always easy to hear. If music is what stirs your soul, we're experimenting with a House Concert this Saturday (details here - you can pay at the door, but we still need you to RSVP!). If nature is your ideal sanctuary, we're doing a winter walk earlier in the day on Saturday (details here), and aiming to have more outdoor experiences this summer into next year. If your children have engaged new parts of your spirit, then Becoming a Soulful Parent may be a great place for you. May our souls speak loudly, and may we be wise enough to listen. 2/14/2020 0 Comments Growth Beneath the SurfaceHappy Tu B'Shevat! Tu B'what?
1/14/2020 0 Comments 2020: Into the Unknown2020. This year always seemed so far away, and now look, here we are!
My onramp to 2020 included a few trips: Trip #1: I traveled to Chicago where I had the honor to present at the Union for Reform Judaism’s Biennial conference. In a very larger gathering of about 5,000 people, it felt significant (and a bit subversive) to teach about the power of small groups and one-on-one dialogue. I was also thrilled to hear the messages coming from the top leadership of the URJ. President Rabbi Rick Jacobs called on the Movement to keep expanding our metaphoric ‘Tent.’ He modeled how meeting the spiritual needs of our increasingly diverse community begins with really listening and learning about people’s lives. VP Amy Asin asked: How can we start experimenting with change in a big way? She lifted up the importance of staying "laser focused on mission," taking risks, and intentionally disrupting our current models of Jewish communal life. To my ears, and I hope to yours, it sounded like the largest movement of American Judaism was asking for more communities like Sanctuary. And that was a wonderful message to hear! Trip #2: Two weeks later I was on the slopes of Butternut in Great Barrington, MA. My family loves to ski there over Christmas. It had been a quiet week, and then on Friday, the crowds descended. The beginner area was full of young children on skis for the very first time. It was quite a sight to see. Still adjusting to the helmets and boots, children skied down the slope, embodying that fine line between control and chaos. They fell down, cried, and also smiled. Their form was not pretty, but inspiring: From head to toe, they modeled a willingness to take risks, embrace something entirely new, learn from others, and have a (mostly) great time while doing it. It felt like the ideal mindset for entering a new year and new decade. Trip #3: One of our first adventures of 2020 was an outing to an actual movie theatre for a screening of Frozen 2. I went for my daughter, but I can’t stop thinking about the film. The creators took on so many contemporary issues! And the song I keep hearing on repeat in my head is entitled, Into the Unknown. That feels like the theme song of 2020: We are heading into the unknown. We know the changes we need to make; we know what lies beyond our control; and we know how uncertainty can take hold. In this year ahead, my hope is that we can embrace the blessing and challenge of the unknown:
11/13/2019 0 Comments What do a speechwriter for the Obamas, Jewish wisdom, and our breath all have in common?Last Friday was a great day of building Sanctuary, and the common theme of all the conversations and gatherings was this three-word refrain: Here All Along.
The day began with two morning meetings at a local cafe. That's how I approach community building - one person, one conversation, and even one cup at a time. Conversation #1: Over a cup of tea, we planned a new Circle that will bring together adults who haven't really studied Judaism since age 13, those curious about becoming Jewish, and parents figuring out what they want to teach and model for their children when it comes to Jewish practice. In many ways, we've all become Jews by choice, and having thoughtful companions and accessible resources to guide all the choices can make a big difference. There is actually a new literary genre that captures this very moment in American Jewish life: After feeling a limited connection to Judaism as children, more and more adults are exploring Jewish wisdom later in life and finding themselves delighted and often surprised by what they discover. Luckily for us, some of these people are accomplished writers who decided to document their journeys in book form. The most recent contribution to this genre is "Here All Along: Finding Meaning, Spirituality, and a Deeper Connection to Life - in Judaism (After Finally Choosing to Look There)," written by Sarah Hurwitz, the former head speechwriter for First Lady Michelle Obama. Relatable and well-researched, Hurwitz's book will provide the structure and core reading material for this upcoming Circle. Conversation #2: Next I met with a local parent who shared many wonderful ideals for the kind of Jewish community he wants for himself and his family. In addition to the importance of integrity and openness, we spoke about honoring how Judaism lives in people, not in a building. We need to remember and rejoice in the reality that we carry Judaism within us every day. It's been here all along. Conversation 3#: An hour later at our Yoga Circle, we experienced Shabbat as an invitation to pause and take some deep breaths. Doing so can slow us down, ground us, and connect us to the Source of all Breath. Since we spend most of our days ignoring our breath, Shabbat reminds us to pay attention to this powerful tool for spirituality and insight that we carry with us every day. It's been here all along. Three distinct conversations with the same conclusion. Why do we need Sanctuary? Because we need to create space and time to be curious about the sources of wisdom that have been here all along. Giving them our attention invites new sources of grounding, inspiration and healthy debate into our modern lives. 10/31/2019 0 Comments The Genesis of a Spiritual StartupSanctuary officially opened last weekend, and it was good!
It’s always challenging to decide when to start something new. Sometimes it’s smart to wait until we feel ready, and other times we need to push ourselves to jump in. When I saw that we would be reading the opening words of Torah at the end of October, I grabbed onto those dates. The week when we relive the wonder of creation “in the beginning” felt like the exact right time to begin a new, exciting project like Sanctuary. Each gathering of the weekend embodied a different aspect of creativity, and collectively they formed the genesis of this spiritual startup: 1. The creative process involves making separations: “God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and God separated the light from the darkness” [Gen. 1:3-4]. Differentiation adds much-needed texture to our lives, and at our Shabbat Dinner Gathering, we all felt the benefits of creating space and time in our week to truly be with one another. We sat around the table, enjoyed delicious food and wine, talked about our lives, and really listened to each other. The evening felt special, because it felt separate from the rest of the week. 2. The creative process involves an element of surprise. When God said, “Let there be light,” God didn’t know exactly what would happen or how it would turn out. Only after taking the risk did God see (perhaps with a sense of relief) “that the light was good.” At our Family Gathering at Sheldrake Environmental Center, we practiced paying attention with all of our senses, and personally, I was surprised – and moved – to see how bright and beautiful the foliage had become. 3. When we intentionally stop, that can be the most creative act of all. “On the seventh day God finished the work that God had been doing, and God ceased” [Gen. 2:2]. When God paused, that completed the work of creation. At the Friday afternoon Yoga Circle, we spent an hour pausing with our bodies, holding poses for longer than we’d choose on our own. Taking a weekly pause is essential not only to our productivity but also to our happiness, and the yoga practice helped us internalize this ancient message. 4. The creative process is ongoing. Sanctuary is committed to bringing Jewish wisdom into dialogue with modern life, and gathering in community around what we care about deeply: food and cooking, political activism, meditation, music, nature, and more. Along these lines, we are eager to reimagine the path to becoming b'nai mitzvah, and here to support families through other life cycle events as well. We are just getting started! |
Rabbi Bethie Miller writes periodic reflections on the state of our world and the Jewish project. She also writes about creative ideas for combining Jewish wisdom with our modern lives. Here are links to previous ones:
Looking for Hope at the Seder Table (4/13/22) Happy 9th Night of Hanukkah (12/6/21) The Healing is in the Return (8/18/21) Time to Pray (11/2/20) The Secret to At-One-Ment (9/27/20) Taking a Sharp Left Turn into 5781 (9/15/20) Waking Up One Day At Time (8/31/20) This is Real and You are Completely Unprepared (8/18/20) The Day is Short (6/16/20) Spiritual Mountain Climbing Without Leaving the House (5/14/20) Shabbat Peace, Love & Light (3/20/20) Sources of Connection as We Practice Social Distancing (3/16/20) Purim Has Never Felt So Resonant (3/9/20) The Miracle of Chanukah (12/20/19) To Be Jewish is To Be Grateful (12/2/19) What I Learned During the High Holy Days (10/16/19) New Year, New Project - Welcome to Sanctuary (10/3/19) |