And these are the ones sown on the good soil: they hear the word and accept it and bear fruit…. –– Mark 4:20. Sometimes, the true “word” comes to us not in a sanctuary but in the sound of a story, told by a friend, on a quiet afternoon. My friend Anne has a way of…
Sabbath Rest
It’s a beautiful day outside, a blessed relief from the oppressive humidity that’s clung to the city all week. Like most mornings, I settled into my meditation, ready to center myself and then dive into the day’s tasks. But today, the familiar stillness felt different. A quiet resistance simmered beneath the surface, a sense of…
May His Name Be Erased
Our book club was recently introduced to a powerful article by Rabbi Meir Y. Soloveichik called “The Virtue of Hate.” It was sent to us by one of our members and has been on my mind ever since. The article delves into the Jewish tradition’s perspective on dealing with enemies and individuals who have committed…
Rock Solid
The phrase “Be my strong rock, a castle to keep me safe” from Psalm 31:3a speaks to a basic human need: the desire for an unshakable source of strength and safety. Throughout history, the rock has been a universal symbol of solidarity and permanence. We see this deeply embedded in our language (“solid as a…
All In Good Time
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him. Do not fret yourself over the one who prospers, the one who succeeds in evil schemes. — Psalm 37:7-8. There’s a deep-seated frustration that comes from watching someone succeed through what seems like a rigged game. This feeling is captured perfectly by Psalm 37. It’s…