I am reminded of how, in the 1990’s, my participation in the program Healing Your Jewish Self with you at Elat Chaim, brought me to a place of acceptance, pride and love of my whole Jewish self and love of other Jews. Since childhood I have never been so complacent to think that we would never again find ourselves being vilified, scapegoated and worse to the degree and intensity we are seeing today. Additionally political turmoil in this country and other global concerns, finds me struggling just as you have described. Today, once again I say “thank you !” - this time for publicly acknowledging your struggles and lovingly offering concrete words of wisdom and support !
So…..I’m shredding shredding shredding years of paper! My file cabinets are no longer in danger of internal combustion. I am hoping to offer myself internal and external spaciousness so that I might more ably cope with the goings-on inside and around me. I have also started to read the “Amen Effect” by Rabbi Sharon Brous…. And so I say to you and all of you who read this, Amen ! Amen!
And, power to you on your de-cluttering project. That was the first thing I took on after retiring, I just felt like our house was overstuffed, and I needed to get the energy flowing externally so that it could flow internally as well. It's so freeing, good for you! Lots of love to you--
Love this and the whole thread of comments. For me it's empowering to work. Working in the garden and observing the earthworms doing their work is what tells me that I have to keep my work going. Giving massage, tending my land, visiting friends, being a helper
Dear Jonathan, Thank you for these words. I feel like you've tapped into my thoughts and emotions, particularly about gratitude expanding as we age. Gratitude, and also the absolute necessity of living with compassion & grace. We are all flawed, we all struggle, and these times are utterly frightening. And I spend a lot of time worrying about the world my children are inheriting, but also I have to believe that they will be part of the solution. As you and I know all too well, giving in to despair is not the answer. Finding pleasure in the day to day, whatever that means for you, is the key. Sending love to you and your family :)
You have eloquently articulated everything I am feeling, and I agree that being in nature and taking in all the beauty that surrounds us and feeling truly connected with our loved ones and appreciating good books and movies and shows and music and art all are helpful ways to counterbalance the terror we feel at the current state of our country, of Israel and of the world. But we must also take some action to support the causes that we hold dear. Donate to candidates and organizations that are aligned with our values. Volunteer to do some small part in supporting this work. If we who care about preserving democracy and our planet each do our part, perhaps we can avoid falling into the abyss.
For me, it’s music, especially live. Maverick is a treasure. I wish I could hike - the memory of walking well is part of what motivates me to work on my physical strength, although I may never get all the way back.
You write as if to say a wonderful life were just dropped on your undeserving keppy. However, having known you for decades I have been aware of how your openness and generosity as well as your wisdom and erudition have affected people who know you. Your humanity and insight shine through your person as well as your vitality and love for life. You will always be MY rabbi, the first one who showed me how profound Judaism is beyond the ritual I learned as a child.
So well said, Jonathan. I feel the same way. It is good to know that others are struggling during these horrifying times. I've been clearing out my overgrown garden in the mornings while playing music from a better time. I've also been clearing my house of clutter. I'm doing what i can to control my little piece of the universe, and bring order.and clarity to my home. Thank you for putting words to my actions.
Thank you Rabbi Jonathan. I too find that hiking calms my troubled soul like no other, not even music. And you take good care of yourself as well.
I am reminded of how, in the 1990’s, my participation in the program Healing Your Jewish Self with you at Elat Chaim, brought me to a place of acceptance, pride and love of my whole Jewish self and love of other Jews. Since childhood I have never been so complacent to think that we would never again find ourselves being vilified, scapegoated and worse to the degree and intensity we are seeing today. Additionally political turmoil in this country and other global concerns, finds me struggling just as you have described. Today, once again I say “thank you !” - this time for publicly acknowledging your struggles and lovingly offering concrete words of wisdom and support !
So…..I’m shredding shredding shredding years of paper! My file cabinets are no longer in danger of internal combustion. I am hoping to offer myself internal and external spaciousness so that I might more ably cope with the goings-on inside and around me. I have also started to read the “Amen Effect” by Rabbi Sharon Brous…. And so I say to you and all of you who read this, Amen ! Amen!
Oh, thank you, Ann!
And, power to you on your de-cluttering project. That was the first thing I took on after retiring, I just felt like our house was overstuffed, and I needed to get the energy flowing externally so that it could flow internally as well. It's so freeing, good for you! Lots of love to you--
Love this and the whole thread of comments. For me it's empowering to work. Working in the garden and observing the earthworms doing their work is what tells me that I have to keep my work going. Giving massage, tending my land, visiting friends, being a helper
So good, Stacey.
These things all point me to work on my inner life. Thank you all for your uplifting ideas.
Thank you!
Dear Jonathan, Thank you for these words. I feel like you've tapped into my thoughts and emotions, particularly about gratitude expanding as we age. Gratitude, and also the absolute necessity of living with compassion & grace. We are all flawed, we all struggle, and these times are utterly frightening. And I spend a lot of time worrying about the world my children are inheriting, but also I have to believe that they will be part of the solution. As you and I know all too well, giving in to despair is not the answer. Finding pleasure in the day to day, whatever that means for you, is the key. Sending love to you and your family :)
Thank you, Suzanne, and much love to you and yours--
You have eloquently articulated everything I am feeling, and I agree that being in nature and taking in all the beauty that surrounds us and feeling truly connected with our loved ones and appreciating good books and movies and shows and music and art all are helpful ways to counterbalance the terror we feel at the current state of our country, of Israel and of the world. But we must also take some action to support the causes that we hold dear. Donate to candidates and organizations that are aligned with our values. Volunteer to do some small part in supporting this work. If we who care about preserving democracy and our planet each do our part, perhaps we can avoid falling into the abyss.
Well said, Barbara!
I miss your mom and her wisdom! Michael Abrahams
Thanks, Michael - so nice to hear from you!
For me, it’s music, especially live. Maverick is a treasure. I wish I could hike - the memory of walking well is part of what motivates me to work on my physical strength, although I may never get all the way back.
Yes, live music! Something about the vibrations makes it such a felt experience, harmonizing our being...
Dear Jonathan,
You write as if to say a wonderful life were just dropped on your undeserving keppy. However, having known you for decades I have been aware of how your openness and generosity as well as your wisdom and erudition have affected people who know you. Your humanity and insight shine through your person as well as your vitality and love for life. You will always be MY rabbi, the first one who showed me how profound Judaism is beyond the ritual I learned as a child.
Bernard, I am deeply touched by your words - thanks you, much love--
So well said, Jonathan. I feel the same way. It is good to know that others are struggling during these horrifying times. I've been clearing out my overgrown garden in the mornings while playing music from a better time. I've also been clearing my house of clutter. I'm doing what i can to control my little piece of the universe, and bring order.and clarity to my home. Thank you for putting words to my actions.
Shalom
Beautiful and clear, Phyllis - keep doing what you are doing!