Rabbi's Blog

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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.

Patience/Savlanut

My beloved father died recently.  I am full of grief and loss. Not long ago, someone said to me, ‘Are you still having a hard time?’  I immediately latched onto the word, ‘still.’ I thought, ‘ Perhaps I should be over it by now. Perhaps I am being  self-indulgent by continuing to feel so sad. I should move on, already.’ But then I realised that my grief is part of who I am now.  It is part of my new reality. I decided to be patient with it. I cannot wish it away, nor should I. I must sit with it, patiently, with respect and compassion. 

Sometimes we need to be patient with challenging situations, and our feelings which result from them.  Our souls need the gentle balm of savlanut as we bear the pain or struggle that comes with life’s curve balls.  Our loved ones, too, need our patience, as they move through their own ups and downs. 

Spiritual Practice
​​​​​​​Today, notice when we judge ourselves for struggling with a dilemma or feeling.  Bring savlanut to mind, and be gentle with ourselves and others. 

Elul @ Mishkan Tefila

ELUL Offerings: To Prepare Our Souls for High Holy Days

Silent Supper, CANCELLED: 

Due to High Holy Day preparation, the Silent Supper is moving to later in the year. Stay tuned for the new date!
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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