Parashat Yitro brings us to Sinai—and to Exodus 20:8: “Remember the Sabbath day to sanctify it.” This week’s prayer, practice, and journaling prompts invite you to shift into silence, settle into stillness, and sojourn into spaciousness.
Prayer
Illuminated Journey, Community Blessings & Shelter from the Storm
My heart is still overflowing from celebrating Illuminated Journey in Orlando—book launch, exhibition, and Havdalah with my Havurah. I’m also holding those in the path of a major winter storm, and sharing a prayer you can copy and share: “Shelter of Peace.”
Standing on Holy Ground
A Parashat Shemot reflection on Exodus 3:14—“Ehyeh asher ehyeh”—and the burning bush as an invitation to turn aside, pay attention, and stand on holy ground.
Transcendent Grace
You Are Not Alone: Reflections on Parashat Vayeishlach and the Concept of Grace Parashat Vayishlach • Genesis 32:4–36:43 “He called the place Beth-el, for there, God had been revealed.”— Genesis 35:7 In this week’s parasha Jacob returns to Beth-el — where he pauses to build an altar and name the place where God once appeared to […]
Surely God Is in This Place: Sacred Listening
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.
The Light of Kindness
This week’s Torah portion, Chayei Sarah, has always held special meaning for me — both because it was my Bat Mitzvah parasha and because kindness is one of my core values. In this portion, Rebecca’s generous act of drawing water not only for Abraham’s servant but also for his ten camels becomes a turning point in the unfolding story. Her kindness is wholehearted, intuitive, and transformative — a reminder that small, genuine acts can change the world.
As I accompany my daughter through her recent diagnosis of stage four, triple-negative breast cancer, I’ve been deeply touched by the kindness of our community. Your messages, prayers, and gestures of support have strengthened and comforted us during this difficult time. I would be grateful if you would keep Sam — Shira Natanya bat Yocheved — in your Mi Shebeirach prayers.
This week’s illustrated prayer, The Light of Kindness, invites us to let our souls shine through compassion and connection. I hope it brings comfort, inspiration, and a sense of blessing to your week.