Category: Healing

Knock 'Em Alive (P. Vayakhel-Pekudei)

3/8/2026

Recently our community honored "National Day of Unplugging," an idea that emerged from a book entitled "The Sabbath Manifesto."

Our conversation explored Shabbat as a mitzvah, a commandment, and as a choice – a purposeful making space – shaped by centuries of collective experience and wisdom about good living.

For some of us, the notion of commandedness –being obligated – rubs the wrong way. For some of us, commandedness evokes a traditionalism we don't buy and a power we don't accept.

It's a subject worth our focus, because at stake is nothing less than life itself.

What's In a Name? (P. Vaera)

1/11/2026

We call our beloveds by many names. Whether a given name, an adopted name, a "pet" name or something else, each name encodes a special relationship and a story about it.

Why should it be different for the Beloved that we call God?

It's not. "God" isn't a Name but a role, a function. As for the Name of God – the One goes by many names.

And each Name tells a profound story. That story is worth telling.

When the Turkeys Get Us Down (Thanksgiving)

11/23/2025

Jewish life and Thanksgiving both invite us to count our blessings with gratitude. Jewish life also is about being real, and sometimes the reality is that the turkeys get us down.

Here's some holiday food for thought about what to do if we, or someone we love, is struggling to find gratitude this Thanksgiving.

The Pause That Refreshes (P. Hayyei Sarah)

11/9/2025

When we think of a "pause that refreshes," most modern Jews will think of Shabbat. For sure.

Turns out that a daily "pause that refreshes" is good for the soul, and for work efficiency, and physical health. And it's very Jewish.

Read on, with a bonus spotlight on R. David's learning at the Institute for Jewish Spirituality.

Sick Visits (P. Vayera)

11/2/2025

When the going gets tough, some of us have an instinct to pull in – to self-isolate, even conceal our tough times.

Maybe we resist drawing attention to ourselves or our difficulties. Maybe we feel that stoicism and privacy are the best parts of valor. We cleave to normalcy like it's nobody's business.

For deep reasons, Jewish spiritual life calls us against these instincts. We have duty to visit and help, and we have a duty to allow it. Here's why.

Spiritual Placebo (P. Hukkat)

6/29/2025

Near the Dead Sea, atop Mount Nebo opposite the city of Jericho, stands a monument to the awesome healing power of the human mind and the human spirit.

No, it's not a crucifix. Look more carefully: it's a snake on a stick.

Its derivation is this week's Torah portion and before that, the deep promise and neurobiology of healing.

It makes absolutely no sense at all – except that it makes all the sense in the world.

Knock 'Em Alive (P. Vayakhel-Pekudei)

What's In a Name? (P. Vaera)

When the Turkeys Get Us Down (Thanksgiving)

The Pause That Refreshes (P. Hayyei Sarah)

Sick Visits (P. Vayera)

Spiritual Placebo (P. Hukkat)

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