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.

Quiet/Shtikah

‘Wisdom walks through the doorway of silence.’

I lived in London for 25 years and consider England one of my homes.  Shortly after the Brexit vote took place, my friends and I were reeling from the results ( we voted to Remain part of Europe).  In my mind, if one voted to Leave the European Union, that person was immediately branded as anti-immigrant, self-serving, and ignorant of what a divided Europe might mean.  

The Brexit vote was all anyone talked about.  Soon after the vote, I sat at a table with someone who voted to Leave.  He, like everyone at the table, was talking about Brexit. I am ashamed to admit that I ignored this person because I assumed talking with him would make me upset.  I also didn’t want to get into an argument. But I decided to practice Shtikah/ Being Quiet and Listening. I adopted the mental posture of curiosity, and so turned my attention to him, as he explained why he voted to Leave.   I figured, ‘Would it be that hard to simply listen? Maybe I would learn something. Maybe I would hear a completely different view from my own. How bad could that be? How could I expect our society to be more respectful, if I couldn’t even listen to a meal-mate?’  

I listened, stayed quiet, silenced my desire to respond to his reasons, and learned a whole new perspective on the country I loved and the debate raging within it.   I never forgot his explanation and I even gained respect for it. He helped me step into the shoes of the Other. Although his shoes are not comfortable for me, at least I know why he wears them. 

Spiritual Practice
Today, stop talking and listen.  Stop replying in our heads, or interrupting.  Just listen to another whose opinion we find challenging.  Listen with open heart and mind, and notice what happens.  

Elul @ Mishkan Tefila

ELUL Offerings: To Prepare Our Souls for High Holy Days

Silent Supper, RESCHEDULED, date TBD: 

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