Rabbi Jill’s Latest Blog Posts
Increase the Light: Hanukkah – Day 2
Lighting the Hanukkiah (Menorah) each night for eight nights is the central ritual of Hanukkah. We add a new candle each night, thereby increasing the light. The lighting of the candles on the Hanukkiah is symbolic of a miracle: A long time ago, when there was only enough oil to last one night, but it …
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Bringing Light To Darkness: Hanukkah, Night One
Our theme this year for Hanukkah is “Bringing Light to Darkness.” The Jewish holiday of Hanukkah occurs in the darkest time of the year on the 25th night of the Hebrew month of Kislev. In 2023, the first night of Hanukkah is Thursday, December 7. Unlike other Jewish holidays, Hanukkah begins when the moon has …
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Music As Comfort In This Painful Time: Playlists
Music is the vehicle I turn to when times are difficult – and not so much as an escape, but as a balm to remind me that harmony and beauty are possible. From ancient times until today, music has been a source of comfort in times of distress.
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Prayer For Those Not Ready To Forgive
A poetic prayer for those not ready to forgive by Rabbi Jill Zimmerman.
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Bringing The Gift Of Your Life: Terumah
(This piece is a contribution to Midrash HaZak. See more info below on this wonderful project.) One day, I was perusing my dear friend Karen’s bookshelves because I was always interested in what new finds she had acquired. She commented to me that she had stopped purchasing new books. Instead, she was beginning to focus …
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10 Day Mindfulness Challenge – Day 1
Today is Day One of our 10-Day Jewish Mindfulness Challenge. Welcome! Here’s how it will work: When you sign up for the challenge, you will receive an email from me each morning for ten days, as a reminder to meditate or practice mindfulness. Each day I will recommend a kavannah or guidance for the day and …
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Jewish Mindfulness 10-Day Challenge
January is all about new beginnings! We invite you to join our Path With Heart community for a “Month of Jewish Mindfulness” featuring a 10-Day Meditation Challenge. You might already have a spiritual practice. Or you may be looking to invigorate what you do with Jewish content and intention. Jewish Mindfulness is about bringing to …
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The Call That is Answered by Presence
Our foundational narrative of moving from slavery to freedom begins with waking up and becoming present. In this week’s Torah portion, Moses tends his sheep in the wilderness, and he notices a bush that is on fire but not being consumed.
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