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.
Be the change
This past year, 5779, has been tumultous and challenging in our country and around the world. We have felt despair, fear and powerlessness. In the coming year, 5780, I invite us to be the change we want to happen around us. Mussar tells us that any change in the world starts with us. The whole world begins with us.
I have been inspired and motivated by this lively call to change by Judith Silver, a songwriter from the UK.
Spiritual Practice Today, practice being the change we want to happen around us. If we want hope, talk about hope today. If we want civil discourse, speak honourably to everyone today. If we want a healthy climate, add a new practice that helps the environment today.
Be the change we want to see.
Mussar @ Mishkan Tefila
Congregation Mishkan Tefila 384 Harvard St. Brookline, MA 02446
