In autumn,leaves come to the end of their functional lives.They can no longer produce glucoseto support growth of the tree.
Between the time they lose functionand their actual demise,they burst into colorsso deep and gorgeous we are mesmerized by their beauty.
We do not … Read the rest
So I’m having breakfast with Meryl Streep. I’m eating eggs over easy with rye toast, she and her 2 kids are eating blueberry pancakes. Well, we’re all in the same restaurant, … Read the rest
I am sixWaves are lapping at my feetI am enthralled by the peaceThe steady rhythm of the riverUnchanging in its presence and promise.
I am fourteenPlunging into the lake from the rocky outcrop aboveSwallowing fear borne of horrifying memoriesTrusting that I am safeSurrounded by those who love meAs serene blue … Read the rest
I’ve spent a lot more time with kittens than with human children. I realized this when I held my infant niece and found myself slow-blinking at her like a cat would. She’s two now, still as playful as a kitten, and I still sometimes have to remind myself that she … Read the rest
Back in April 2024, I emailed Cantor Vera Broekhuysen asking for a copy of a resource she’d created listing all the names of God in Congregation Beth El’s siddur. My cat got in the way while writing the email, so I included a little … Read the rest
The rain in July — in Tammuz, in Av — comes like a crescendo ahead of Elul and all that follows. Rain reminds me of teshuvah for some reason. Perhaps as a metaphor or stand-in for teshuvah itself — rain reminds me of repenting, for the … Read the rest
When I stand still and open up my eyes,I see the sounds of life that fill the trees.I see each blade of grass that softly sighs.And suddenly, I dance with grace, with ease.
I race the breeze. I chase away the clouds.The world itself spins round inside of me.I’m not … Read the rest
Teshuvah is returning to our original holiness, said a rabbi I once knew, when we have missed the mark. The journey back from extreme states, those sometimes called mental illness, is one of relearning how to live on … Read the rest
It is so hot outsideI keep trying to peel off layers of my skin Anything to get cool Anything to escape.Even the Hudson River looks refreshing In heat as tantalizing as this one.
Tattooed on the handOf the guy on the bus It says: “Don’t become a Victim of your … Read the rest
Summer faded slowly that year, like a sunflower bowing its heavy head. I reminded myself to enjoy the meandering of mind, the swooning of soul.
I waited for you, I whispered to Summer. At times, the chilled air of waiting stung my cheeks pink and cocooned me in my … Read the rest
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