Hi Everyone, Have you ever wondered how I create my ‘Illuminated Expressions” each week? Before embarking on the design I reread the entire parasha. Why reread something I’ve read many times before? In hopes of understanding it on a deeper level. Although the 54 parashiyot (Torah portions) do not change from year to year, I […]
Shabbat
Parasha Tetzaveh
Hi Everyone, As I read the Torah portion each week, I look for something that inspires me to try to illuminate God’s word. This week I was drawn to the verse sandwiched between the lengthy description of the holy garments to be worn by the priests and the detailed instructions for making the alter, Exodus […]
Parasha Terumah
Gratitude is a big part of my spiritual practice— and I want to share something for which I am profoundly grateful: the Gift of Mobility. Two years ago today—February 19, 2019—I had my second spinal fusion. For eight long months before the surgery I was unable to stand or walk without pain; driving was no […]
Parasha Yitro
Hi Everyone, One of the best-known parts of the Torah—the 10 Commandments—is found in this week’s parasha, Yitro. Tradition teaches that the entire Jewish people—including those not yet born—were present at Mount Sinai to receive the Torah, which means revelation is continuous. In other words, God’s gift of Torah transcends the conveyor belt of linear […]
Parasha Beshalach
Hi Everyone, This week’s parasha, Beshelach, tells the story of Pharaoh finally allowing the Israelites to leave Egypt, then changing his mind. The Israelites, trapped between Pharaoh’s armies and the Red Sea, cry out to God, who tells Moses to raise his staff over the water. Miraculously the sea splits, allowing the Israelites to safely […]
Parasha Bo
Hi Everyone, In Bo, this week’s Torah portion, God instructs Moses to tell the Israelites “Remember this day, when you went out of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.” Further, Moses says to tell our children that because of what God did for us, “it shall be to you as a sign upon your […]