As we begin the Torah anew with B’reishit, I reflect on the light we bring through creativity, compassion, and connection. This week’s post includes Torah illuminations, a blessing for Cheshvan, and my daughter’s perspective on living with metastatic breast cancer—and the support that helps.
Visual Midrash
Words to Light Our Path
As we begin another Torah cycle, which words will light our path? Through Visual Midrash, prayers, and reflections on Simchat Torah, we make room for celebration and remembrance, discover meaning in familiar stories, and explore ways to care for ourselves and one another.
Answering the Call
Parashat Vayikra begins not with a command, but with a calling. This week’s reflection explores the intimacy of God’s call to Moses, the meaning of the small alef in Vayikra, and what it means to listen for the work we are truly called to do. It also includes my prayer, “The Call,” and a glimpse into my new exhibit at the Olitsky Art Gallery at Congregation Beth Or.
In the Beginning: A Journey of Creation and Illumination
As we begin the Torah anew with B’reishit, I’m reflecting on creation, creativity, and the practice of Visual Midrash—interpreting sacred text through art. Join me in exploring how color, prayer, and intention can illuminate the Divine spark within each of us.
Opening the Gates
This week’s Torah portion, Re’eh, reminds us that life is filled with choices—both large and small—and that our decisions ripple outward to shape the world around us. As we welcome the month of Elul, a season of cheshbon hanefesh (soul-accounting), may we choose wisely, bless abundantly, and prepare our hearts for the journey of t’shuvah.