I saw a male owl in the woods this morning sitting silently on a small tree branch. Someone told those of us gathered that he was guarding the nest of his mate who was on a tree close by.
What a wonderful gift to receive on this twelfth day of the Omer—Hod sh’b Gevurah—glory within strength: the vulnerable nest; the strong trees; the vigilant owl.
Read MoreOn Shabbat I have taken on the practice of saying no to many things.
I say no to technology and don’t go near a computer. I don’t listen to the radio or watch TV.
I say no to commerce and I don’t go shopping or deal with money.
Read MoreThis Pesach Shabbat may we rest in the beauty of the world blossoming.
May the green buds and the flowers shining yellow, pink and red give us hope.
There is so much love in the world, so much kindness and care.
As we enter into Pesach, the Festival of Liberation, may we soften our hearts, lift up our eyes and welcome each other as brothers and sisters.
Read MoreAs we acknowledge the suffering and brokenness that exists in us and in our world and reach out from this place to make connections, to share who we are and what we have to offer, the matzah goes from being the bread of poverty to being the bread of connection, hope and faith.
Read MoreTo leave Egypt is to enter into the spaciousness of relational consciousness—and know (da’at) that we live in relationship to all beings.
Read MoreA prayer as we enter Shabbat and continue our walk toward Pesach.
Read MoreAny time we find the strength and courage to stay open to the anguished cry, we move out of enslavement.
Read MoreIt is time, the Infinite calls, Come.
V’hotzati, I will take you out
Each of us, all of us, are being called to step into the fullness of our lives and grow, blossom, become.
Read MoreThese are questions for reflection as we search out the chamaytz—the attitudes and behaviors that keep us bound.
Read MoreDuring these days of Nisan, we search out the chamaytz—the attitudes and habits that bind us to fear and cause us to feel separate and unable to live and love fully.
Read MoreWe are all called into holy service.
Keep the fires burning.
Miriam's cup, filled with water, is a symbol of Miriam’s Well, the source of water that nourished the Israelites as they wandered in the desert, and draws attention to the women of the Exodus story.
Read MoreDraw close, the Mystery calls,
Draw close to me.
What words, intentions, and practices do we want to place upon our hearts and before our eyes?
Read MoreMay the softening of the hardened heart guide us to enter into fuller connection with each other and the unfolding of all life.
Read MoreThis month (Nisan) shall mark for you the beginning of the months; it shall be the first of the months of the year for you. (Exodus 12:1)
Read MoreLiberation begins with leaving Egypt, mitzrayim, the "narrow place." Yet, in some ways, the narrow places are comfortable and the promise of freedom's expanse can be frightening.
Read MoreIn this Haggadah supplement, Rabbi Yael offers blessings for the breaking and eating of the matzah.
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