Rabbi Linda's blog

Friends, in these challenging times, I invite you to consider the ways in which you care for yourselves, heart, body and soul. There is so much over which we have no control that it’s important to identify where we do have some control or some influence. In that vein, I invite you to think about setting some intentions for yourself, grounding yourself in your highest values, and holding your own heart with compassion as you navigate challenges, personal and political.

In this note, I’m sharing a prayer, written by a colleague over eight years ago. If it speaks to you, I encourage you to use it as a daily meditation. If there’s something like this that you could craft, or would like help crafting, to help you ground yourself through these times, your rabbis are here to help you. 

Finally, you’ll notice elsewhere that the ARCC is holding a tikkun olam town hall the end of this month. It’s our hope that in coming together, we can support one another and find a few paths forward. For now, enjoy this prayer from R. Irwin Keller.

Before reading the news
Elohai neshamah shenatata bi tehorah hi.
My God, the soul you have placed in me is pure and vulnerable. I am afraid that looking at today's news will be painful. Encircle me in a robe of light so that I can witness the wounds of the world without being wounded myself. Let me learn what I need to know in order to be of my greatest use, without being overwhelmed by despair. I feel your protective light now as I
open myself to the worlds suffering and the worlds joys. Amen