In Parashat Vayeitzei, Jacob awakens from his dream and discovers that holiness has been with him all along. This week’s reflection explores the spiritual discipline of sacred listening and honors the “unseen angels” whose compassion, presence, and kindness illuminate our lives. Journaling questions and a weekly practice invite deeper awareness and connection.
Journaling
Kindling Hope:
Parashat Toldot invites us to explore the threads of legacy, blessing, and becoming. This week, as I illuminated Genesis 26:4, I found myself reflecting on the promise of light woven through our lineage—a reminder that even in complicated stories, hope continues to shimmer across generations. Toldot encourages us to cultivate consciousness: to notice the guidance we receive, the patterns we carry, and the choices that help us step more fully into who we are becoming.
As we enter the month of Kislev and approach Thanksgiving, we are invited into a season of light, gratitude, and possibility. This week’s prayers, blessings, journaling prompts, and reflections offer an opportunity to pause, connect, and kindle hope—within ourselves and with those we love.
Lech Lecha — Trusting the Journey
“Lech Lecha — Go forth to the land that I will show you.”
This week’s Torah portion invites us to trust the journey, even when the destination is unknown. In this week’s reflection, I share my illustration of Genesis 12:1, the prayer Not Knowing from my soon-to-be-released book Illuminated Journey, and a new illustrated prayer, Journey.
I also share information and resources about BRCA awareness in the Jewish community — and ask for prayers for my daughter, Samantha Trattner (Shira Natanya bat Yocheved), who is courageously navigating her own unexpected journey.
Standing Together in the Days of Awe
This week, as we read Parashat Vayelech and observe Shabbat Shuva—the Shabbat of Return—we are reminded of God’s abiding presence during the Ten Days of Awe. I’m sharing a new prayer, You Are Not Alone, along with a responsive reading, May I Find Forgiveness. May these words bring comfort, hope, and inspiration as we prepare for Yom Kippur.
Standing at the Precipice of the New Year
As we prepare to welcome 5786, Parashat Nitzavim invites us to pause at the threshold of a new year. In this week’s blog, I share my Torah illumination of Deuteronomy 30:6, my prayer At the Precipice, journaling prompts for reflection, and a closing blessing for a sweet and meaningful year ahead.
Looking for Blessings
Parashat Ki Tavo teaches that every threshold holds spiritual possibility. Explore blessings in your own comings and goings with a prayer, journaling prompts, and creative resources.






