Rabbi Jill’s Latest Blog Posts
What I Learned About Mindfulness At A Bridal Shower or “Life as a Celebration”
My first cousin’s daughter is getting married. A first wedding for my cousin, who is like a sister to me. A group of 12 women gave the first bridal shower for this wonderful bride-to-be last Sunday. A group of women who have long-time and deep connections to my cousin, who herself is one of the …
A Poem for Jasmine
the scent of jasmine fills the house so much that we have to leave the front door open so that we can allow the sweet smell of heaven to lighten every moment. Every trip up and downstairs to do the laundry every walk to the kitchen to make tea every pause between computer strokes is …
We Write Our Own Torah with Our Lives and We Walk Together as One
We Write Our Own Torah with Our Lives and We Walk Together as One I want to speak about the blessed intersection where individuals and community meet. As Jews, this nexus is our most shining moment, the source of our greatest creativity and our deepest gift. It is what makes us a people bonded together …
Noticing: Jasmine, Hummingbirds and Mary Oliver
In a recent Jewish Meditation class, in the context of “Paying Attention and Being Present” as a core Jewish idea, we went to the front doorway, which is now arched with a gorgeous star jasmine bush fragrant, lush, heaven-scented. We together recited the blessing for experiencing a fragrant bush/tree: Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha’olam,Borei …
For the 31st day of the Omer: Radiance within Humility (Tiferet within Hod)
Each day counts. Today (starting tonight) is the 31st day of the Omer: April 26. As we walk together, getting closer and closer to being open enough to receive wisdom – today we look at the unique combination of Tiferet (Beauty) within Hod (humility/sincerity.) Because each sefirah (quality) of the tree of life has multiple …
For the 29th Day of the Omer: Kindness within Humility
Counting our way together. Today (starting tonight) is the 29th day of the Omer. Kindness within humility, sincerity and splendor (hod). Chesed within Hod. This whole week, we will explore the quality of Hod, as we count our days and refine our souls on our journey to Truth. We will turn it over and over, …
For the 27th day of the Omer: Yesod within Netzach
Count on the way to clarity. Intention for Day 27 of the Omer. Grounding in endurance – double connection (Yesod within Netzach). In the morning, stand and imagine roots growing from the bottom of your feet, deep into the earth. Feel yourself planted. Tuck your tailbone and stand straight as you can so that you …
For the 26th Day of the Omer: Gratitude within Endurance
Count! How enduring is my gratitude? Can I sustain an awareness of thankfulness even when times are hard? When people disappoint, can I still see the bigger picture of who they are and might be? Today (April 21) is day 26 of the Omer: Gratitude within Endurance (Hod within Netzach)
