Personal
On this page you will find articles that focus on those chance or passing moments in our personal lives that appear to be outwardly small but are significant nonetheless for their influence upon our mood, our feelings of connection with others, and our spiritual lives.
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Standing At A Crossroads...
We reach the moment when a difficult decision needs to be made: some call it a
crossroads, some call it a fork in the road. While we recognize that we are fortunate to
have options and opportunities, we know that making a choice or finalizing a decision is a
humbling experience, especially when so much seems to depend on it.
Meditation:
It is a blessing to be in a position to make a choice, one that feels so important, as
if it could change my whole life. Remind me to take the time I need, and lead me to make
the wiser choice.
Each path has its story, its promises. Help me choose a path of greater light, greater
love and greater life.
Ritual:
As you make your umpteenth "pro and con" list before your final decision,
pause to remember:
D’rakhe’ha darkhei noam, v’khol n’tivotehah shalom.
The ways of the tree of life are pleasant, and its many different paths lead to peace.
Blessing:
Barukh atah ha’meir la’olam kulo b’khvodo.
I bless You as You illuminate my whole world.
Hosha Adonai et amekha b’khol parashat ha’ibur y’hiyu tzarkhei’hem
l’fanekha.
At each crossroad, may my needs be known to You.
(Adapted from Jerusalem Talmud: Brakhot 4:4)
Teaching:
Tamar was told, "Your father-in-law is coming up to Timnah for the sheep
shearing." So she took off her widow’s garb, covered her face with a veil and,
wrapping herself up, sat down at the entrance to Enaim (the place of opened eyes), which
is at the crossroads to Timnah; for she saw that Shelah was grown up, yet she had not been
given to him as a wife.
(Genesis 38:13—14)
But Moses said to God, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and free the Israelites
from Egypt?" And God said, "I will be with you…."
(Exodus 3:11—12)
See: today I set before you life and prosperity, death and adversity…choose
life….
(Deuteronomy 30:15,19)
Many plans are in our minds, but it is God’s plan that is accomplished.
(Proverbs 19:21)
V’ha’eir eineinu.
Illuminate us.
(CLAL Faculty)
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