Rabbi's Blog

Words to Live By

Welcome to this online Elul spirituality retreat, written by Rabbi Marcia Plumb and sponsored by Congregation Mishkan Tefila. Every day during the month of Elul, you will receive a ‘Word to Live By’. The words will be in alphabetical order, similar to the Ashamnu prayer during the Yamim Noraim. The Ashamnu lists our sins from the past, but our Elul words contain hope for the future.

You can use the word, and the teaching that comes with it, to set an intention for your day, to help you live your day based on the word. You may want to share it with a friend, who has need of just that word. You may be busy, and simply notice the word in the subject heading, then, skip to the next email….and that is fine too. Noticing can be enough.

At the end of the month, at Rosh Hashanah, I hope, because of our Words, our hearts will be softer, our minds more open to new ways of thinking, and our actions more compassionate.

With prayers for healing and renewal,
Rabbi Marcia Plumb, Congregation Mishkan Tefila, Brookline MA.

Joy
 
At our Festive Friday services (See Video Here), we often get up and dance to the music of the prayers.  As we dance in a circle around the shul, some reach out to those who are sitting and invite them to join.  Most get up and join the joy. Sometimes people stay seated, out of embarrassment, shyness, or often because they had a bad day and can’t imagine finding pleasure. 
 
Nahman of Bratslav tells us that an essential trait is simcha shel mitzva  (Berakhot 31a), which means the mitzvah of spreading joy.  He says, ‘sometimes, when people are happy and dance, they grab someone outside the circle who is depressed and gloomy.  Against his will, they bring him into the circle of dancers; against his will, they force him to be happy along with them.  It is a great mitzvah to...gather courage to actually pursue gloom and to introduce it into the joy, such that the gloom itself turns into joy…  It is like a person who comes to a celebration where the abundant joy and happiness there transforms all his worries, depression and gloom into joy.’ (Likkutei Maharan)
 

Spiritual Practice
Nahman says to our spiritually uplifted dancers--continue to reach out to bring others into the circle of joy.  He tells all of us to spread joy. 

Today, bring it to others at every opportunity.  If you have a bad day, think of simcha shel mitzvah.  Instead of feeling gloomy, make someone else happy.  That will turn your sadness into joy, and do the same for the other person. 

Elul @ Mishkan Tefila

ELUL Offerings: To Prepare Our Souls for High Holy Days

Silent Supper, September 17:  Silent Supper
All Congregants and Guests Are Welcome

Using texts and 20 minutes of silent reflection on our eating, we will practice paying attention to what goes in our mouths (food) and what comes out (positive or negative language).  After our text study and 20 minutes of silence, we will enjoy a lively (chatty) meal together.  Register here .
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Teshuvah Workshops hosted by CMT, led by Rabbi David Jaffe, incorporating Mussar and Spirituality.  Mishkan Tefila members should click here to register. 

Mussar @ Mishkan Tefila