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.
Voice/ Shticka (Silence)
I follow UK politics closely. Recently, I read an article about how David Cameron, the former Prime Minister who began the Brexit debacle, asked the Queen to raise an eyebrow when she announced that there would be a referendum. He knew her facial gesture would influence the vote--even a simple, slight eyebrow lift.
Our faces speak volumes. We all are capable of causing damage with one cynical, dismissive raised eyebrow. It is obvious when I am frustrated. My face reveals all. It might seem that the Mussar middah (trait) of shticka, silence, refers to the words we use. But we often speak with our bodies as well. We turn away, we walk the other way, we lift our gaze, smile, frown, stare unforgivingly, grimace, laugh and much more. It is often easier to watch our words than to be mindful of our facial expressions.
Spiritual Practice
Today, use our faces, with care and thought, to convey generosity and goodness. Be consciously aware of what our expressions are communicating to others.
Mussar @ Mishkan Tefila
Congregation Mishkan Tefila 384 Harvard St. Brookline, MA 02446
