How is Freedom Connected to Passover Passover is one of my favorite holidays. It holds space for tradition as well as individuality. No 2 Seders (the traditional holiday meal and storytelling) are exactly alike. Each Seder brings the flavor of those around the table, while holding the rainbow of traditions to choose from. All the time using the word FREEDOM as a guide. How is FREEDOM connected to Passover? The Jewish people escaped slavery from Egypt with a passion to... Read more
What are the Gifts of Spring Cleaning The upcoming season of Spring is associated with a ritual of cleaning. We empty drawers, garages and closets. Turn soil over in our garden and plant seeds in hope of new growth. We rid our homes of what is no longer needed. Make sure our windows are cleaned, ensuring a clear view. What are the gifts of Spring cleaning? There is something quite parallel between Spring cleaning and soul cleansing Mostly, for me,... Read more
What Are the Healing Benefits of Poetry and Music. These last few months I have been asked the question: What are the healing benefits of poetry and music? Poetry and music have been intertwined for thousands of years. In Hebrew there is one word for poetry and song,” Shir”, perhaps the creators of the ancient language understood the heart in more ways than we know. Poetry and music can provide comfort during periods of stress, trauma and grief. They often heighten... Read more
Bidding Farewell to a Sacred Space Last August, after 26 years, I bid farewell to the home that knew all of my joys and sorrows. Each room contained memories that felt like capsules of my life, making it difficult to leave behind. Each wall seemed to hold voices of what was. While I was able to part with most of the home, there was one room in particular that I found hardest to let go of. It was my sacred... Read more
Understanding Spirituality as a Unique Experience Many people have asked me what spirituality means, often followed by the statement, “I am not spiritual.” The answer to this question is unique for each individual, as spirituality is experienced differently by every soul. Furthermore, one’s understanding of spirituality can change at any given moment, depending on the situation. Awaken Your Spirit with Love, Faith, and Hope For me, I believe that each of us has a distinctive and beautiful spirit, which makes... Read more
The Unexpected Winter: Lessons in Soul Growth It has been a strange season here in the Northeast. By this time in years past snow has covered our driveways, our sidewalks and decorated skies with the fluffiness of snow. However, as I sit in my office on the 18th floor overlooking the Hudson River, I have yet to see the reminiscence of a snowflake down below. Freezing days immediately followed unseasonably warm mornings. Occasionally, skies have been filled with grayness and the waters below... Read more
Do We Have Special Prayers Focused on Cancer. In the many years that I have guided cancer patients, from various faiths and religions, I have yet to be asked- “Do we have special prayers for cancer?” Prayers have always taken a front seat in the moments of spiritual counseling and care that I have shared with those touched by cancer. However, not necessarily in the convectional way. Prayer is often associated with a request. Since healing from illness such as... Read more
Do Members of My Faith Have Special Observances for International Holocaust Day Do members of my faith have special observances for International Holocaust Day? Of course, we do, this is part of our DNA, part of who we are. Remembrance candles are lit, survivors are invited to speak, synagogues hold ceremonies. However, for many of us, we don’t need a ritual or observance to recall. What so clearly is ingrained in the souls of second, third and even fourth generation... Read more
How Can We Affect Change “How can we affect change?” is a question I continue to explore. Since I grew up on a Kibbutz in Israel, Martin Luther King was a hero figure from afar. I was so intrigued by his determination and faith to bring about change. So much so, that I chose to write my senior high school paper on his influence on education in the United States. The message that stayed close to my heart was the... Read more
How Do We Hear What Our Soul is Telling Us? There is no magical telephone line, or radio station that allows one to hear the voice of their soul. And yet we are constantly told to listen to what our soul is telling us. So how do we hear what our soul is telling us? Like Anything Else It Takes Practice I have found in my work as a spiritual counselor, that like anything else, making time and space... Read more
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