Collections of Thoughts and Poetry

#Sinai #revelation #redemption #tencommandmants #mountsinai #wordshavewings Parshat Yitro is the last of the action packed Parshiyot of Sefer Shemot. In it we read of the giving of the ten commandments and the preparation required in order to witness such a catalysmic event. In addition, the parsha begins with a curious interaction between Moshe and has father-in-law Yitro, a Midianite priest. Yitro, for whom the Parsha is named, wisely counsels Moshe on creating a judic

#isaac #jacobandesav #jacobandesau #birthrite #runbrotherrun #heel #biblicalpoetry #parshapoetry #wordshavewings #breisheet #yinandyang #commentary #biblicalpoetry Parshat Toldot is the heart of the book of Breisheet (Genesis). As a book that is about family stories, it is not shy about portraying disturbing issues that are common to so many of us. In this parsha we read about the pain that infertility brings and also the relief that comes to some when they are finally abl

#Zeresh #purim #wordshavewings #haman #megilatesther #esther #villainess #villains Zeresh is mentioned twice in Megillat Esther. As Haman's wife, it is written in the Midrash that she was his closest advisor. According to Midrash, Zeresh was the person who advised Haman as to the nature of the gallows in which to hang Mordechai. She also told Haman that he ultimately would not defeat Mordechai. She was wise and powerful within her own household and she was brutally honest.

#mosaics #oldchina #repurposing #oceanwaves #wordshavewings #creativity #shards #cutglass #glasswork Amy seems to run on the juices of creativity. The posts that I see on Facebook of her work are rich in detail and what feels like a universe of ideas. All during the pandemic Amy painted and created and cooked and created some more. I hope some of the creativity will be rubbed off on all of us as we read a little bit of her process. Thank you, Amy, for sharing this piece on

#sometimesyouneedtobeseen #sometimesyoujustneedtobeseen #seen #heard #counted #makingadifference #talkthetalk #walkthewalk #reiyah #masechetchagigah #dafyomi #talkingtalmud #siyum #yardaenaosband #annemiller #wordshavewings #sedermoed The first section of Masechet Chagiga is about the Mitzvah called Re'iyah, or appearance. It informs the reader straightaway that there is no substitute for showing up on the three pilgrimage holidays. I have only included the very first words

#latte #coffee #morningcoffee #makeityourself #coffeewithmilk #dance #wordshavewings This short piece, written by fellow dancer Miriam K a few weeks ago, is about her home brewed lattes. Since reading the piece I have been inspired to make delicious lattes at home. When I take my first sip I think of Miriam and how true it is that to enjoy a few minutes over a steamed milk latte is a moment of rest and enjoyment. Thank you, Miriam. Keep making those lattes and keep dancing

#whyiwrite #writing #theartofwriting #writinghabits #writingeveryday #writingchildrensbooks #poetry #wordshavewings #proseandpoetry This lovely poem about the complex process of writing was written by my friend and skilled writer, Leslie Degnan. Why I Write Writing is a journey; an all-encompassing means to an end. A holiday of thought, ideas, and creative problem solving, It opens my eyes, lights up my neurons, surprises me, & confounds me. Writing is persistent work. Write,

#cycling #torahandcycling #wordshavewings #whatbringsusjoy #satisfaction #biking #recovery #resilience I was privileged to meet Rabbi Ahuva a few years ago at a Havura gathering at Camp Ramah in Palmer. Although we only met for those few days, we have kept in touch for the past few years on Facebook, a great way to communicate! Rabbi Ahuva's posts are inspiring. Recently she has been posting about running, but she has many things that bring her satisfaction and joy. This p

#mahjongg #whyilovemahjongg #creatingcommunity #wordshavewings #mj #mahjonggtiles #covid19 #buildingcommunity This is another piece on what lights up individual's lives; what gives people satisfaction. Vicky Lyon is a Mah Jongg influencer. As one of Vickie's students, I am proud to present this piece on what makes Mah Jongg meaningful and satisfying for Vickie. She truly has created communities everywhere; all connected to this game. She truly is a Mah Jongg influencer! Than

#knitting #knittingthroughapandemic #yarn #knittingsocks #wordshavewings Here is another essay on what gives people satisfaction....Thank you, Kathi! Knitting Through a Pandemic by Kathi Wolff My love of knitting begins with the delightful textures and colors of woolen yarn. The feeling of progress growing as the soft yarn passes through my hands stitch by stitch. The accomplishment of creating a useful item from nothing but 2 sticks and some string. Exhilarating. It has bee

#music #shemot #Beshalach #wordshavewings #song #dance #movement #movementandsong #thebeatofthedrums Parshat Be'Shalach is the Exodus. It is the crossing of the Sea and safely landing on the other side. It is about a moment of faith, a moment of an unforgettable crossing. It is etched into all of our psyches and we are reminded of it each day when we pray. This Parsha is also a moment of unparalleled celebration and with celebration comes music. On a personal note, music and

#theorchardkeeper #blessings #parshatvayechi #vayechi #jacob #joseph #wordshavewings #theorchard #whatareblessings In Parshat Vayechi, as we come to the end of the book of Genesis, Jacob's sons are firmly implanted in Egypt. As the time comes for Jacob to leave this world, he speaks to each of his progeny with honesty. He understands the faults and strengths of each of them, as has been pointed out to us in Breisheet and the messages are not always positive, but reflecting