Rabbi Jill’s Latest Blog Posts
Passover As A Spiritual Practice
Passover is the “Master Story” of the Jewish people and frankly, for many liberation movements throughout history. The entire journey from slavery to freedom forms the quintessential foundation for the spiritual journey writ large. And it’s not “long ago” it’s now. Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav, the great Hasidic teacher says “The exodus from Egypt occurs in every human being, in every era, …
When The World Is Too Much
Poetry helps. Especially poems like this one, “Lie Down” by Nancy Paddock. She reminds us to stop, breathe, be. (I’m not wild about the ant part, but ok.) Taking time out each day to just BE can be part of a Gratitude Practice that profoundly affects your health and wellbeing and helps remind you that …
Add Gratitude to Your Spiritual Toolkit
Part of the immense stress many of us are experiencing right now is the weariness of being on high alert much of the time. Each new day brings more alarming news: Jewish Community Centers evacuated because of bomb threats, Jewish cemeteries vandalized, swastikas on the New York subways and the walls of local schools, and …
Breathe In, Breathe Out: A Meditation With the Trees*
In the Hebrew month of Shevat (usually corresponding to February) the rabbis of the Mishnah noticed that the trees begin to bud and the sap begins to flow. They created a holiday called Tu B’Shevat which we celebrate on the 15th day of Shevat.
Jewish Bedtime Prayer: May We Be Surrounded & Protected
The bedtime Shema includes a beautiful prayer invoking the angels of protection, Michael, Uriel, Gavriel and Raphael. I like to imagine that they hover over the 4 corners of my bed…
The BEST Potato Latkes Ever (I promise!)
I like my latkes thin, crispy and traditional (read: russet potatoes.) This is my winner recipe that I’ve been using for years. I deem it “excellent” as you can see by my photo.
Spiritual Friendship
This time calls for our best – and some days we may have a hard time remembering what that looks or feels like. Good friends help us remember who we are. I’m not sure who said this, but I love it…
Kavannah (Intention) For Those Not Ready To Forgive
Some hurts take time to heal. And some of us (mostly women) apologize too much and too fast – to our own detriment. This is for you.
