Last week's Torah Portion TODAY

I feel more alive now than I ever have in my life. I have a chance to live, as I've dreamed. -- Nina Simone

I declared last year that this year, 5777, would be a year in transition. Working with a life coach, heeding the wise counsel of my rabbis, family and friends, this year has opened me up to so many wonderful opportunities to learn and share my gifts --- and the journey has just begun. And just like my musical heroine Nina, I have the chance to live life as I have dreamed.

As I move more fully into spiritual leadership, I have been challenged by two of my friends and teachers, Rabbi Scott and Rabbi Micah, to spend time with the text of each parsha and create either a d'var torah or a song.

Whoa! A big task for me. However it is one that I am ready for. It will challenge me to be more intimate with the text each week and push me to exercise this muscle I have been wanting to flex.

To that end, I plan to complete this challenge each week, but think about it in the context of what is happening AFTER Shabbos. This idea came from a parody skit I participated in during one of the Jews of Color (JOC) Selah retreats. We dreamed up a show called, "last week's Torah portion tonight!" and thought we might make something real of it. So here is my attempt at this.

This blog will be one way of holding myself accountable. From week to week, I will post my musings and hope that there is coherent, pertinent and usable material.

Like to hear it, here it goes!

Comments

be like water | erev rosh hashana d'var 5785

🎶 Be easy, take your time, you are coming home to yourself, coming home to yourself. 🎶 We have gathered at the appointed time to bless the creation of this world. Yet as we gather, we continue to witness the devastation and despair that hurricane helene has left in its wake. And the Israeli govt is expanding its war, destroying homes and families and so many lives that represent entire worlds. and here we are. Some of us feel rage, anxiety, or fear. Some of us are feeling discouraged, lonely or even uncertain what to feel. And some of us are feeling grateful for this opportunity to gather with beloveds or excited for the possibilities that can come as the new year is finally upon us. And i am sure that there is a mixture of some or all of these feelings. whatever and however you feel is just right and is welcome here. may it be so that this ritual, this spiritual technology that we have been gifted with, gives you just what you need right here and right now. 🎶Be easy, ta...

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