A Shabbat Message from Rabbi Aliza Berk of the Jewish Healing Center: The full moon shining brightly above is a sign that Tu Bishvat is here. This week, we celebrated Tu Bishvat, the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shevat, the New Year of the trees. Yesterday, members of our staff gathered together to learn about the significance of the holiday. We shared with one another our experiences in nature and how it can be such a transformative experience luxuriating outdoors. I think that many of us find our most profound “God-moments” in the natural world. Rabbi Nachman of Bratzlav wrote: Master of the Universe, grant me the ability to be alone; may it be my custom to go outdoors each day among the trees and grass – among all growing things and there may I be alone, and enter into prayer, to talk with the One to whom nature and I belong… May I then pour out the words of my heart before your Presence like water, God, and lift up my hands to You in worship. Rabbi Nachman engaged in a spiritual practice known as “hitbodedut” which is a form of spontaneous prayer and meditation practiced alone, usually in nature. Rabbi Mike Comins, author of A Wild Faith – Jewish Way into Wilderness, Wilderness Ways into Judaism suggests the following practice: 1. Find a place of solitude in nature 2. Talk out loud to God for a set period of time and don’t stop. 3. Speak, ask, figure things out, pray—whatever comes up, share it with God. What is amazing about this exercise is that the subconscious mind finds an outlet and reveals unexpected thoughts and feelings that desire expression. On this Shabbat, go outdoors and find a place that feels safe and secluded. Open up your heart and allow your words to pour forth freely. What unexpected hidden treasures may be revealed! Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Berk Visit the Jewish Healing Center online at jfssd.org/jhc.
Posted on: Fri, 17 Jan 2014 23:30:01 +0000
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