As we begin the Book of Devarim and approach Tisha B’Av, we’re invited to reflect on the words that shape our stories and the values that guide our return. This week’s blog features a prayer for alignment, a Torah illustration inspired by Deuteronomy 1:1, journaling prompts for intentional living, and an invitation to join our Elul Explorations: Five Gates of Growth.
Prayer
Illuminating Choices, Strengthening Each Other
This week’s double Torah portion, Matot–Masei, invites us to reflect on the power of our choices and the sacredness of our journeys. From the request to settle outside the Promised Land to the detailed recounting of the Israelites’ travels, we are reminded that every step we take—and every decision we make—shapes not only our own path but the path of those who travel with us.
Finding Hope in Uncertain Times:
This week’s blog explores how to hold on to hope during uncertain times, how to let our inner light shine in the darkness, and how to draw strength from community. It includes a prayer for Israel, and my illustration and prayer for this week’s Torah portion, Shelach. I’ve also included an updated version of my 10 Tools for Challenging Times, with journaling prompts to help guide your own spiritual exploration.
Prayers for Peace, Strength, Hope and Healing
This week’s blog explores the power of prayer in times of uncertainty—both global and personal.
From a heartfelt plea for peace in Israel and the Middle East, to Moses’ ancient cry for healing in Parashat Behaalotecha, we are reminded that even the simplest prayers can hold immense strength.
I’m also sharing “Healing Light,” a caregiver’s prayer for those walking beside a loved one through illness.
The Art of Blessing
This week’s blog explores the sacred power of blessing—how we give it, receive it, and embody it.
Featuring my latest illustration of the Priestly Blessing, a Contemporary Birkat Kohanim, nightly blessings I send to my daughter, a story of how one piece of art inspired a song, this post invites you to reflect on how you can use your unique gifts to be a blessing in the world.
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 […]