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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Returning from Israel
Just as you can choose to hear the questions the ticket and security agents have asked
you as spiritual questions upon your departure, you can also choose to hear the questions
the customs agents ask you upon your return as spiritual questions.
Meditation:
What did you bring back with you? (What memories, images, stories, promises and
commitments, and relationships do you bring back?)
What is its value?
What souvenirs will you keep for yourself?
What souvenirs are for others?
Ritual:
When you get your photographs developed, arrange them in an album, giving each image a
label of its own. Narrate your story, so you will never forget the meaning of each part of
your visit.
Blessing:
Barukh atah, hagomel l’chayavim tovim tovot.
You have blessed me with this trip to Israel. I have been so moved, so touched.
May I never forget the feeling I have right now for as long as I live.
Teaching:
Rabbi Nathan, biographer of Rabbi Nahman of Bratslav:
"There were several reasons for Rabbi Nahman’s voyage to the Land of
Israel…Indeed, for all the things he did he never had a single reason, but rather
thousands and thens of thousands of deep and elevated motivations – most especially
so for this great journey to Eretz Yisrael."
"Rabbi Nahman tol Rabbi Yudil that he wanted to go to the land of Israel. Rabbi Yudil
offered him this blessing: ‘Great Rabbi! Surely you want to perform some great things
there. May it be God’s will to help you do that which you intend.’"
(from Hayyey Moharann)
Va’havienu l’shalom me’arba kanfot ha’aretz,
v’tolikhenu komimiut l’artzenu.
Bring us safely from the corners of the earth and lead us in dignity to our holy land.
(CLAL Faculty)
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