Receive-and Give-Your Torah

Shavuot

Today Jews all over the world celebrate the holiday of Shavuot. On this day, the sixth day of the Hebrew month of  Sivan, they commemorate Moses receiving the Ten Commandments. This holiday also is known as the Festival of Weeks named in Exodus 34:22 and Deuteronomy 16:16. Shavuot is celebrated seven weeks and a day [...]

Crystal Earings for Mother's Day

My husband bought me earrings for Mother’s Day. Not just any earrings, though. He bought me long, wand-like dark green tourmaline earrings. They were made by a woman I know. She’s down on her luck and could use the money.  She now sells her jewelry at a store in Los Gatos, CA. (Soon it will [...]

A Kabbalistic Approach to Becoming a Change Agent in 2010

With the Blue Moon rising, tonight we ring in not only the New Year, but a whole new decade. And we do so at amidst a time of change. We’ve seen climate weather, world economic changes and political and government leadership changes. In spiritual, mystical and metaphysical circles, everyone is talking about and predicting change, [...]

What Do You Have and What are You Worth?

Today I was reading a commentary written by Rabbi Label Lam on this weeks parsha, the weekly torah portion. It happens to be about the reunion of Jacob and Esau, but it pertains to the giving and receiving, an important Kabbalistic concept that typically comes to the forefront of our minds during the holiday season. Just when [...]

Everyone has to be a Teacher

Today I’d like to share a teaching of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov’s that truly speaks to me, especially since I do go out and teach. In fact, Rabbi Nachman’s wisdom, in this case, gave me permission to go out and teach what I knew. He taught me that everyone is a teacher, and we should [...]

Take Advantage of Opportunities that Come Your Way

Are you taking advantage of opportunities that come your way? Or are you ignoring them? Or, are you, like me, negating them? Lately, I’ve been finding ways to negate opportunities that come my way by finding excuses for not taking advantage of them. I say, “I shouldn’t do that,” or “It wouldn’t be appropriate to [...]

What is Kabbalah? The Art of Becoming a Good Receiver

The Hebrew word kabbalah comes from the Hebrew verb “lekabbel,” whose root kbl means “to receive” or “to welcome.” Thus, Kabbalah means “receiving” or “reception.” Most people define Kabbalah as a wisdom tradition or mystical tradition received from teacher to student, handed down from generation to generation. Thus, we receive it from someone. We become [...]

Thanksgiving Provides Antidote to Anxiety Caused by Economic Crisis

Thanksgiving is supposed to be a holiday when we celebrate our great abundance and prosperity. However, for many people, the current economic crisis may cause them to feel as if they have little to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. In fact, they may be experiencing so much lack in their lives that they can’t muster [...]

When the Financial Crisis Hits, Open Your Hand Rather than Closing It

The financial crisis seems to be hitting too close to home these days. Here on my homefront, got debt we can’t seem to get paid off. Each time I get the credit cards a bit lower, I find that I have to charge something else. My son’s hospital stays this summer left us with additional [...]

Be Part of the Shift

Yesterday someone sent me the link to a movie trailer that’s a must watch. However, it’s not only a must watch, it’s a call to action. I’ve posted it below for you to watch.  The Shift Movie Trailer  However, don’t just watch it and say, “That’s nice,” or “That’s interesting.” Get involved. Become a change [...]