In this week's parsha, we read about the aish tamid, the eternal light burning at the altar. One small detail packs a huge punch, as is often the case. The text concerning the Temple that relates to this burning flame translates as this fire that will "dwell within them" and not the fire that will "dwell within it".
Perhaps this use of them reminds us of the tiny kernel, the tiny flame that flickers within each of us. Some flames are fed and nurtured by listening to ourselves while some are buried and forgotten, lost in life's chaos and roughness and issues.
3.31.2007
3.24.2007
Vayikra: 5 Nisan 5767
From MeaningfulLife.org:
A common conception is that human creativity, particularly artistic creativity, will flourish only under conditions of unbridled freedom. Limitations and inhibitions of any sort -- goes this line of thinking -- are anathema to art.
The history of mankind's efforts to evoke beauty and meaning with the materials of life has shown the very opposite to be the case: that "oppressive" circumstances have stimulated humanity's most profound and innovative creations, while conditions of unmitigated freedom yield lesser and shallower works.
Indeed, working within bonds is intrinsic to the process and product of artistic creation: the challenge to reduce a landscape or personality to a two-dimensional surface of limited size is what makes a great painting; the need to express a thought or feeling with a limited number of words arranged in accordance with rigid laws of meter and rhyme is what makes a great poem. The very essence of art, it can be said, flows from the tension between the expanse-seeking spirit of the artist and the constraints of the medium and circumstances by and under which it expresses itself.
3.10.2007
Ki Tisa: 20 Adar 5767
In this parsha, we start to think about the concept of Shabbes. It's a hard one, one that is a topic of discussion often in Jewish circles. Personally, I am endlessly fascinated by the ways people observe Shabbat. Some are completely shomer Shabbes and that is that. Some stay in and light Shabbat candles and have a family meal. Some have a family meal, light the candles then all go their different weekend directions. Some singles and young couples light candles and hang around the house and rest for the week ahead. Some go to shul. Some keep Shabbes unless there is a special circumstance or event. Some take a small time out. Some take the full 25 hours.
And, in my book, that's all okay because maybe what makes Shabbes the time of re-nefesh (my English tag word for "re-ensoulment") is a matter of doing your heart's desire. It's perfectly okay to keep shomer Shabbes, don't get me wrong. I've done Shabbes just about every way there is to do Shabbes and I've found meaning each time. I'm just saying that just because the official word frowns upon certain things, that it's a matter of heart and motivation to re-interpret our lives as we go.
For example, we all know there is a prohibition from sewing on Shabbes. Well, there is the work prohibition, and once upon a time, and still to some now, sewing is a means of making a living. So, sure, yes, best to take the day of rest from sewing! But, what about to the busy professional with little personal time who lives to sew? What if sewing is a family tradition, passed from one generation to the next? Wouldn't sewing on Shabbes make that person think of fond memories and be refreshed with not only downtime but an activity that s/he takes the time to savor?
Just a thought. Like I said, I've done many different variations of Shabbes and I've felt meaning int hem all because my heart was in the right place. I turned down options that my heart wasn't completely invested in, whereas sometimes during the week, I have tons of things to do that I'd rather not. Shabbes is re-ensoulment. Reconnecting to yourself to be the best you that you are capable of being so you are fueled to make the world as good of a place as you are capable of making it. Isn't that what sacredness is about in the end?
Shabbat Shalom. Peace of re-ensoulment.
And, in my book, that's all okay because maybe what makes Shabbes the time of re-nefesh (my English tag word for "re-ensoulment") is a matter of doing your heart's desire. It's perfectly okay to keep shomer Shabbes, don't get me wrong. I've done Shabbes just about every way there is to do Shabbes and I've found meaning each time. I'm just saying that just because the official word frowns upon certain things, that it's a matter of heart and motivation to re-interpret our lives as we go.
For example, we all know there is a prohibition from sewing on Shabbes. Well, there is the work prohibition, and once upon a time, and still to some now, sewing is a means of making a living. So, sure, yes, best to take the day of rest from sewing! But, what about to the busy professional with little personal time who lives to sew? What if sewing is a family tradition, passed from one generation to the next? Wouldn't sewing on Shabbes make that person think of fond memories and be refreshed with not only downtime but an activity that s/he takes the time to savor?
Just a thought. Like I said, I've done many different variations of Shabbes and I've felt meaning int hem all because my heart was in the right place. I turned down options that my heart wasn't completely invested in, whereas sometimes during the week, I have tons of things to do that I'd rather not. Shabbes is re-ensoulment. Reconnecting to yourself to be the best you that you are capable of being so you are fueled to make the world as good of a place as you are capable of making it. Isn't that what sacredness is about in the end?
Shabbat Shalom. Peace of re-ensoulment.
3.03.2007
Tetzaveh: 13 Adar 5767
In this week's parsha, we see the roots of some items we wear in Judaism today, such a kippah, tallit and the like. I could write quite a bit about any of these garments, but I want to focus on just the breastplate, worn by the high priests in the story. The breastplate symbol that we place on a dressed Torah in shul today.
We read in the text that this item was adorned with precious stones, symbolic of the twelve tribes of Israel. I came across this really interesting article that I'd like to offer up as food for thought, in which the author, David Godwin, connects the twelve astrological signs to the twelve tribes. See what you think. It feels like a stretch, but let it sink in then let your mind wander a bit and you might find that it's certainly something to consider, mm?
We read in the text that this item was adorned with precious stones, symbolic of the twelve tribes of Israel. I came across this really interesting article that I'd like to offer up as food for thought, in which the author, David Godwin, connects the twelve astrological signs to the twelve tribes. See what you think. It feels like a stretch, but let it sink in then let your mind wander a bit and you might find that it's certainly something to consider, mm?
