The Black Hole

Posted by Elaine Zecher
On April 12, 2019
0 Comments

Welcome to Shabbat Awakenings, a weekly reflection as we make our way toward Shabbat. Sometimes the real thing is better than the metaphor, even when it has to do with a black hole. There have been infinite associations of the image of this endless dark void attributed to many experiences and circumstances. But, now it […]

Posted by Elaine Zecher
On April 5, 2019
0 Comments

Welcome to Shabbat Awakenings, a weekly reflection as we make our way toward Shabbat. The ancient priests had responsibilities beyond the ritual sacrifices. They were called upon to identify and analyze skin afflictions in order to declare a person clean or unclean. None of this had to do with the reason we take showers. This […]

Posted by Elaine Zecher
On March 29, 2019
0 Comments

Welcome to Shabbat Awakenings, a weekly reflection as we make our way toward Shabbat. This week’s portion begins on a high note. Following the ordination of Aaron and his sons as priests, the offerings were brought forward and then Aaron blessed them. Soon, the spiritual climax of the moment occurred. Aaron lifted his […]

Posted by Elaine Zecher
On March 22, 2019
0 Comments

Welcome to Shabbat Awakenings, a weekly reflection as we make our way toward Shabbat. The fire still burns from the altar of the ancient Temple. As our portion opens in chapter 6 of the book of Leviticus, the mention of fire occurs three times in six verses. Verse 2…the fire on the altar is kept […]

Posted by Elaine Zecher
On March 15, 2019
0 Comments

Welcome to Shabbat Awakenings, a weekly reflection as we make our way toward Shabbat. I love Purim. It’s my favorite holiday, besides Yom Kippur. Really. That’s because both holidays are connected. The Hebrew name for the one we observe in the fall, our day of atonement could be read as Yom-a day K’purim-like Purim. On one holiday […]

Posted by Elaine Zecher
On March 8, 2019
0 Comments

Welcome to Shabbat Awakenings, a weekly reflection as we make our way toward Shabbat. The new moon has appeared and with it the beginning of the month of Adar II. When the moon reaches its fullest and brightest appearance, we will joyfully celebrate Purim. We are supposed to be happy, even commanded throughout the whole […]

Posted by Elaine Zecher
On March 1, 2019
0 Comments

Welcome to Shabbat Awakenings, a weekly reflection as we make our way toward Shabbat. Last week, the people feared Moses had died. They expected his arrival down the mountain and he did not show. How long should it take to receive the Torah? Their fear and faithlessness led them to construct what they knew. Or […]

Posted by Elaine Zecher
On February 22, 2019
0 Comments

Welcome to Shabbat Awakenings, a weekly reflection as we make our way toward Shabbat. Do not underestimate the power of Shabbat. If you breathe, you appreciate Shabbat. Everywhere we look now, scientific studies assert the importance of pausing, stopping, turning off and breathing deeply as a healthy practice in the course of our lives. Our […]

Posted by Elaine Zecher
On February 15, 2019
0 Comments

Welcome to Shabbat Awakenings, our weekly reflection as we move toward Shabbat. What does God really want from us? The Torah, then the Mishnah and joined by the Talmud seek to understand the desires of the Divine. In this week’s Torah portion, we learn how to ascertain what God wants. That is the good news. […]

Posted by Elaine Zecher
On February 8, 2019
0 Comments

Welcome to Shabbat Awakenings, a weekly reflection as we head toward Shabbat. It is a curious explanation. Let them make me a sanctuary that I may dwell among them. (Exodus 25:8) Let me explain. We have moved from redemption as slaves in Egypt to the acquisition of Torah at Mt. Sinai and, in this week’s […]

Page 1 of 1512 3 ›»

Adult

Youth

The Black Hole

Messy

Rorschach

Perpetuate

Serious Silliness

Lament and Joy

From Golden Calf to Golden Opportunity

Breathe. Deeply.

Light and Wholeness

The Silent Cry of the Soul