Had I Wings, a new song by Cantor Vera Broekhuysen, is recorded by Cantor Vera and Lysander Jaffe. Listen and enjoy!
Listen to Had I WingsCantor Vera Broekhuysen joined Beth El on July 1, 2023. She served Temple Emanu-El of Haverhill as spiritual leader from 2018-2023 … Read the rest
This summer, my family and I returned to the Berkshires for vacation.We moved away nine years ago, and it always feels wonderful to be back in the mountains. Much as I enjoy relaxing at the beach, I delight in being on a summit, taking in the view. My spouse loves … Read the rest
Elul is different this year. Granted, it’s different every year as the lunar calendar dictates Jewish time. But Elul is different this year because I’m different.
I confided to my therapist recently how difficult it feels to be contained in a physical body. Everyone … Read the rest
For two weeks, the moon slowly fills to fullness, and for two weeks, it slowly exhales again down to newness.
That slow increase and slow decrease feels like a cosmic breath, one deep inhale and exhale to lead us into the season of return, renewal, and repentance.I love that the … Read the rest
“He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge” (Psalm 91:4).
You who are a winged flierWho dwells in a nest on high
Beware the raptor’s talonThe stalking gaze from above
Even treetops lay beneath the zenithHigher altitudes still above the clouds
You who … Read the rest
“Our goal should be to live life in radical amazement…get up in the morning and look at the world in a way that takes nothing for granted. Everything is phenomenal; everything is incredible; never treat life casually. To be spiritual is to be amazed.”
― … Read the rest
From the Earth Etudes for Elul archive.
Wherever I sit or stand, it is sacred ground. Sometimes it is hard to believe this wisdom. But, if I can re-remember my roots and my strong belief that we are all a part of the ongoing cycles of creation and of unraveling, … Read the rest
Light candles, as one does, but consider this:
Over many millions of yearsOrganisms evolvedTo thrive in the dark,Eyes big and reflective,Taking in the main chance. Mysterious only to those who slept While they flourishedUnder the stars and the waning moonAway from galumphing day hunters,Safe … Read the rest
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
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