This week, Torah, the Jewish calendar, and personal experience converge in a powerful way. As we read Parashat Tazria-Metzora, enter the healing month of Iyar, and count the Omer through the lens of Tiferet, I reflect on what it means to hold hope and heartbreak at the same time while accompanying both my daughter and my father on their cancer journeys.
Omer
Invitation to Distinguish
Reflections on Parashat Shemini, Gevurah, Havdalah and Yom HaShoah There is something deeply meaningful about the word ul’havdil — to distinguish, to separate, to see clearly. In Parashat Shemini, we are told: “You must distinguish between the holy and the profane.” (Leviticus 10:10) This command isn’t only for the ancient priests standing at the threshold of the Tent […]
Counting the Omer: A Spiritual Journey
The seven-week journey from Pesach to Shavuot invites us into reflection, growth, and spiritual awakening. In this post, I’m sharing a new resource I created—Counting the Omer: A Spiritual Journey—a guided journal filled with weekly sefirot teachings, daily prompts, blessings, reflections, and artwork to deepen the Omer practice.
At the Mountain:
As Shavuot approaches, we stand at the sacred intersection of Parashat Bamidbar and the culmination of the Omer journey. In this week’s post, I share two prayers—Journey to the Mountain and Journey Toward Revelation—along with journaling prompts and reflections on what it means to be counted, to be called, and to receive Torah anew.
We Journey Towards Sinai
As we enter the final week of the Omer and read the closing double portion of Leviticus, Behar–Bechukotai, we reflect on Malchut—sovereignty, sacred service, and divine presence. This post explores Torah teachings, original prayers, and journaling prompts to help you prepare your heart to receive the gift of Revelation at Sinai.
Unleash Your Creative Spirit
Creativity as a Path to Divine Connection Using our creative gifts is a powerful way to express what’s in our hearts. When we create with intention, we attune to something larger than ourselves—a holy flow of insight and presence. In this sense, creativity is not just a form of self-expression; it’s a path to connection with the Divine. Everything is connected.When we live with this awareness, we become more aligned with the sacredness of all life. Whether we create with words, paint, movement, music, or through acts of kindness and justice, the creative spark within us is a sacred gift—and cultivating it brings us closer to the Source of all creation. This week’s Torah portion, Parashat Emor, includes one of the most detailed liturgical calendars in the Torah, outlining sacred times and holy convocations. Among them is the commandment to “elevate the Omer before God” (Leviticus 23:11) the verse I chose to illustrate for my Torah illumination series. The act of elevating the Omer reminds us to lift up the ordinary, to infuse time with intention, and to honor our connection to the sacred cycles of life. Abundant BlessingsA Prayer for Parashat Emor May we strive to notice,appreciate, and express gratitudefor our abundant blessings:the inherent beauty of natureand the earth on which we live,the air we breathe, the water we drink,the clothes we wear, the places we live,the food we eat. May we celebrate the opportunityto make a difference in the world;to pursue meaningful work,to create with purpose and joy,and to accompany—and be accompanied by—people we love. May we elevate our abilityto be fully present each day—to pause, breathe, receive,and honor the wonderof being alive and inspired. Let Your Creativity Shine I often journal about creativity, and wanted to share this 9-part panel of hand-lettered inspirations that I hope will nurture your creative spirit. Counting the Omer: Embracing the JourneyAs we continue counting the Omer—moving from freedom toward revelation—we enter Week 6, which is associated with Yesod, the sefirah of foundation, relationship, and sacred connection. Yesod is the bridge between intention and action, vision and manifestation. It teaches us that we grow through our connections—to each other, to the Divine, to the world around us. Here’s […]