This week’s blog is coming to you with my heart still overflowing.
This past week in Orlando, I had the joy of celebrating the publication of my new book, Illuminated Journey, with a totally AWESOME book launch party, book signing, art exhibition, and a talk on Visual Midrash.
I am still reveling in the hugs and heart connections with everyone who came to celebrate with me. Being surrounded by family and friends—and connecting with community—was an incredibly special and powerful experience.
One of the highlights of the weekend was doing Havdalah in person with members of my virtual Havurah, who I usually only see on Zoom. Over the past five years, in addition to gathering each Saturday night for Havdalah, Kaddish, Mi Shebeirach, and to share gratitudes, we have also met throughout Elul to prepare for the High Holy Days—and gathered nightly between Passover and Shavuot to count the Omer, study the sefirot, and do guided journaling.
After five years of Zooming, we feel deeply connected—and being together in person was a true delight.
And yes… I loved signing books!
Here are a few photos from the exhibit:
Here’s a photo from the exhibit at the Congregation of Reform Judaism in Orlando.
Click here to order a copy of Illuminated Journey.
As I come down from the joy and sweetness of the book launch, I’m also holding awareness of the very real challenges many people are facing right now. Celebration and concern can live side by side in the same heart—gratitude for moments of connection, and prayer for those navigating hardship. With a major winter storm predicted across much of the United States, I wanted to offer a prayer you can share with anyone who may be in its path.
Shelter of Peace: A Winter Storm Prayer
©Joanne Fink
Eternal Protector,
As the storm descends,
we ask Your blessing on those in its path—
especially those who are not used to coping
with the challenges of snow, ice, and wintry weather.
We pray that no lives will be lost—
that those without homes will find shelter,
and those without heat will find ways to stay warm.
We pray for power to be restored quickly,
and for minimal damage to land, homes, and communities.
Keep pets safe and protected,
and guard the wildlife that shares this land—
may all creatures find refuge from the cold.
Protect repair crews and first responders.
Grant them clear minds, steady hands,
and safe passage on icy roads.
Ufros aleinu sukkat shlomecha—
Spread over us a shelter of peace.
Help us remember we are not alone.
May those in the storm’s path be protected.
May those who are frightened feel held.
May communities be blessed
with caring neighbors
and abundant resources.
Shelter, shield, and sustain
all who are impacted—
now, and in the days ahead.
Guided journaling questions
- Where are you feeling the most “held by community” right now—and how can you receive that support more fully?
- Who is someone you can reach out to this week (especially someone who might feel alone)—and what’s one small, specific way you can show up?
- When your heart feels overflowing, what do you most want to do with that feeling: share it, create from it, give from it, or simply savor it?
- What helps you stay grounded when the forecast—literal or emotional—feels intense?
- What prayer is on your heart right now—and how can you turn it into one loving action?
Closing blessing
May you be blessed with moments of sweetness that remind you what matters most—
and with the strength to meet whatever is hard with equanimity and grace.
May your journey be illuminated by love,
fueled by hope,
guided by wisdom,
and strengthened by community.
And may you become, again and again,
a shelter of peace for others—
and allow others to be that shelter for you.