At the Crossroads of Connection & Creativity
This week’s Torah portion, Parasha Balak, contains one of the most beloved verses in Jewish liturgy:
Mah tovu ohalecha Yaakov, mishkenotecha Yisrael —
How goodly are your tents, O Jacob, your dwellings, O Israel.
— Numbers 24:5
Originally spoken by the prophet Balaam—who had intended to curse the Israelites but instead blessed them—these words have been recited for centuries as we enter sacred spaces. They remind us that holiness is not limited to physical structures; but is found wherever community gathers with intention, connection, and heart.
Studying Mah Tovu, I found myself contemplating not just physical tents and dwellings, but the metaphorical ones: the sacred homes we build in community, in prayer, in love. Each moment of intentional connection becomes a dwelling place for our souls.
This week’s prayer, Crossroads, arose from the inner journey that accompanies outward transition. Whether we are stepping into a new stage of life, making difficult decisions, or simply seeking direction, each of us stands—at times—at a spiritual crossroads.
Crossroads (A Prayer for Parasha 40, Balak)
Source of All–
I am standing here
at the crossroads of Being and Becoming,
my heart yearning for something I cannot name.
Allow me to sojourn into s p a c i o u s n e s s
and open to the blessing of this moment.
Grant me the courage to set forth
when I do not know
what path to take.
Guide me as I begin to explore new directions,
and help me embrace the love and the pain,
the hope and the joy that are part of my journey.
As Balaam’s words remind us, sacred dwellings are not only places we enter—they are experiences we co-create. Every shared song, every heartfelt prayer, every hand extended in kindness becomes a dwelling place for Divine presence.
Journaling Questions
As you reflect on Mah Tovu and the idea of sacred space, consider:
- What places feel most sacred to you—and why?
- How do you help create sacred space in your own life or community?
- Where are you being called to show up with intention or courage?
- How do your inner crossroads become gateways to transformation?
Creating Sacred Space
Last week, I had the honor of serving as the Sacred Space Coordinator for the ALEPH Kallah, transforming a hotel and convention center into places of holiness and healing. With friends and volunteers, we created spaces to reflect, to remember, and to reconnect—with ourselves, each other, and the Divine.
The hardest room to transform was the auditorium– where the entire community gathered for the evening programs. How, I asked myself, could I imbue a sense of holiness into this large, rather sterile space? Ultimately, I decided to use a combination of original art and printed imagery. Below are photos of the art I displayed.
I used this as an opportunity to add some of the new art to my webstore. If there’s a piece you’d like and can’t find it (or don’t see the size you want), please let me know and I’d be happy to send you pricing information.
My Zoom Havurah
For the past few years, I’ve had the privilege of leading a Zoom Havurah that gathers every Saturday night at 9 ET for Havdalah, Kaddish, and Mi Shebeirach—and every Wednesday night at 10 ET just to “hang out,” since we enjoy each other’s company.
In addition to our bi-weekly gatherings, we count the Omer in community, engage in an annual Elul T’shuvah guided journaling practice, and share music, prayers, and poetry that resonate. While most of us are from the U.S., we have members as far away as Turkey and New Zealand.
One of the most meaningful moments this week was celebrating Havdalah in person with my friend Yael Fischman—whom I usually only see on Zoom—alongside new friends I met at the ALEPH Kallah and my Zoom Havurah family. What a joy to be together—across miles and modalities—honoring sacred time and sacred connection.
I invited Batya, Yossi, Hannah, and others who celebrated Havdalah at the Kallah to join our Zoom Havurah any time they want to do Havdalah—and I want to extend that invitation to my blog community as well. Let me know if you’d like the Zoom link—we’d love to have you join us!
A Prayer for Those Impacted by the Texas Floods
This is the prayer I wrote upon hearing about the flash floods in Texas.
SOURCE OF COMPASSION,
We turn to You in the
wake of devastating flash floods
that have taken lives and
upended entire communities.
Reach those who are still missing—
give them strength, courage,
and the will to endure.
HELP THEM SURVIVE!
Comfort those who grieve the loss of loved ones,
and all who have lost homes,
livelihoods, and cherished belongings.
We pray that You send skilled responders
and abundant aid to those in need.
Sustain, shield, and shelter those still in danger.
Guide them to safety and support those who are struggling.
Bless the brokenhearted
and all who face the long road to recovery
with the tools, resilience, and resolve to rebuild.
Grant patience, calm, and clarity
in the difficult days ahead.
May love be stronger than loss;
may communities coordinate efforts,
and may caring, compassion, hope, and healing
flow into every space touched by this tragedy.
Closing Blessing
Blessings
©Joanne Fink, 2022
May God’s Infinite Spaciousness
bless and keep you
and grant you the opportunity
to be a blessing to others.
May God’s Luminous Presence
Shine upon you and those you love
and illuminate your path.
May God’s Limitless Goodness
bless you with the ability
to help forge a path to peace
in our hearts
in our homes
and in our world.