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.

Return/Teshuva

A gift today:  two songs for teshuvah….
 
Return Again by Shlomo Carlebach
https://youtu.be/JDmqWXVs0po
 
Elohai Neshamah by Shawn Zevit
https://youtu.be/0QW6VZtdN4M
 
One of my favourite prayers is Elohai Neshama from the morning Shacharit service.  It reads: Elohai neshamah shenatata bi tehorah. “My God, the soul that you have placed within me is pure.” (T Berachot 60B).  I love this prayer because it reminds me every morning that at the core of who I am is a pure, precious soul, given to me by God.  No matter what sins I heap on top of that soul, it remains pure and whole. I may forget it when I focus on my flaws, but every morning, with Shacharit, I remember it, and for those few minutes of prayer, I bask in its light, and reconnect with its beauty and purity.  The prayer invites me to return to what is best in me, what is at my core, deep within. 

Teshuvah means literally turning.  At the High Holy Days, we are called to return to our best selves, to remember our pure souls that patiently wait within us. 

Spiritual Practice
Today, choose a time to sit quietly for a few minutes to find the pure clean holy soul within us.  It may help to imagine it is a pool of beautiful blue water deep within us that is warm and inviting. Imagine swimming in the pool gently with relaxation.  Feel the clear water around you, within you. Come out and feel refreshed and renewed. The water represents the pure soul that is always there at our core.  We can dip into it anytime we need reminding of our best self.
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Today, do teshuvah by remembering and finding our souls.   

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