The following visualization that reveals the Godliness of each person, is a form of prayer, of Jewish meditation, that was learned in person from Tzeitl Locher of Ameland, The Netherlands:
Focusing, a technique developed by Dr. Gene Gendlin, synergizes beautifully with many forms of Jewish spiritual practice and allows us to amplify our spiritual authenticity and depth of experience. This paper cites some of the traditional texts and teachers that seem to have a felt-sense in their spiritual practice and teaching and also two examples of the application of focusing in Judaism.
At many times in our history the repetition of sacred phrases has been recognized as helpful to a meaningful prayer experience. In my case I resisted a long time before trying any of this - some sort of fear kept me from it, as though I would die or something like that. Instead once I plunged in, each time the practice grew on me....like cultivating a taste for olives only much more special and valuable (forgive me, any olives that are reading this). Rabbi Shefa Gold introduced me to these practices, and I encourage you to seek out her work and teachings on the subject, she is a wise, authentic and safe teacher.
Have you wondered if there's a shape to the flow of Jewish services? There is actually a careful sequencing designed to help ground, lift, and ground your spirit developed by the ancestors. Please see the chart below after reading.
Version 1:
both jointly composed by Rabbi Goldie Milgram & Hubbatzin Barry Bub, MD
Praised be the Source of Life, present in the miracle of human being, for the healing powers of body, mind and spirit.
Grant me ever renewing faith, courage, and comfort.
May each osteoblast, the cells which heal bones, be like the angel Gabriel, bringing strength and healing bonding.
May each white corpuscle, the cells which conquer infection, be like the angel Uriel, carrying healing light to the the site of surgery, rapidly closing each wound.
An anxious pre-teen enters tentatively into my home for the first day of b’nai mitzvah training. We begin by chatting to learn the basics about each other. Listed below are some of the questions I ask and some of the responses I receive.
I am a practicing Jew. I keep Kosher, attend Shabbat services regularly, and even attend morning minyan several times a week. Yet I find I cannot sleep well at night, because I am too worried about my responsibilities to my family and my business. What advice do you have for me? Sincerely, Bob
Dear Bob,
You are not alone in your dilemma. In fact, it is a common complaint.
Many complain of having difficulty finding deep meaning in the traditional prayer service. Many of us were conditioned to accept that for Jews "praying" is accomplished by simply reciting or chanting all the words, preferably in Hebrew. It is helpful and interesting to note that in the Talmud our ancestors worried that writing down their prayers could lead to just such a deadening rote recitation by subsequent generations.
This live zoom concert honored groundbreaking composers giving Jewish feminist voice through song to the women of the Bible.Concert composers and performers:
The following visualization that reveals the Godliness of each person, is a form of prayer, of Jewish meditation, that was learned in person from Tzeitl Locher of Ameland, The Netherlands:
