For this past Shabbat I created a movement-based lesson plan for the synagogue youth group I ran. As I was leading the group I realized an older audience would be a better fit for my lesson plan so I stuck to the regular scheduled programming instead—albeit with more movement and interaction on part of the … Continue reading Movement-Based Learning and the Post-Exile Jew
Tag: judaism
The Pre-Exile Jew
I have an affinity for the colorful and modest garb that some women from other cultures where. This Shabbat (aka Jewish Sabbath which falls on Saturday) I saw a woman doing a delivery wearing such an outfit. I felt connected to her, just seeing the beautiful tapestry she was wearing, as well as knowing she … Continue reading The Pre-Exile Jew
Kiss the Rain
Title of a song I listened to growing up my Billie Myers. This past Shabbat my daughter and I took a puddle walk. We thought we were going after the big rain to hunt for puddles to jump in. Little did we know there was more rain to come! We enjoyed puddle jumping as well … Continue reading Kiss the Rain
The Strange Legacy My Father Left Me
Caring sincerely about my patients' well-being and being a fitness freak are two things my father left me as a legacy. He also left me the legacy of attending shiva calls—he and my mom attended many when I was growing up and set the example of how to be a listening ear for others struggling with … Continue reading The Strange Legacy My Father Left Me
Power Outage: A Gratitude Reminder
This past Friday morning we had a power outage. This wasn't a typical Friday. It was the second day of a 3-day yuntif—when a two-day holiday (aka yom tov) is immediately followed by Shabbat. Some who lost power wondered if it would come back on in time for them to make food for Shabbat (one … Continue reading Power Outage: A Gratitude Reminder
A Spiritual Soul Living in a Physical Body
This morning as I drove to the gym I put the radio on and really enjoyed listening to the rock music. I thought to myself how I could have said some morning blessings but I particularly liked the song that was on the radio and I really wanted to listen to it. I pondered how … Continue reading A Spiritual Soul Living in a Physical Body
Complete or Incomplete on My Own?
Dating in my twenties, I was always confused. If I am content on my own, complete on my own, then how will I find a mate—isn’t he supposed to complete me? But when I was not content and felt incomplete, I attracted guys who weren’t healthy for me. This morning I had the following thought: … Continue reading Complete or Incomplete on My Own?
Being Your Own Person AND Your Mother’s Daughter
Ever since I was a pre-teen, people told me I was so much like my mother. I looked like her. I talked like her. I laughed like her. I was nice like her. I always greeted these comments with a mixture of pride as well as abashment. I was honored to resemble my mother, whom … Continue reading Being Your Own Person AND Your Mother’s Daughter
The Miracle of Hanukkah
The Jewish holiday of Hanukkah celebrates how a small group of Jews defeated the mighty Greek army when the Greeks were oppressing them—not allowing them to practice Judaism. Many Jews at that time were assimilating into Greek culture and becoming Hellenists. Hanukkah celebrates those Jews who stayed true to their tradition and resisted the pressure … Continue reading The Miracle of Hanukkah
Back to the Basics: the Prayer Book
The Jewish prayer book is called a siddur. I learned the Jewish prayers in religious day school growing up, and recited them religiously (pun intended) through my mid-twenties. Then life started to get more complicated. In grad school I remember the tension I felt about having to rush through my morning prayers to get to … Continue reading Back to the Basics: the Prayer Book
Mindful Nuggets 