Behaalotecha

A lesson from the seven-branched menorah: You don’t have to be a carbon copy of somebody else to be a good Jew. The critical issue is, are you kindled?

Every soul journeys down into this world with two suitcases. One is full of challenges; the other, the talents and strengths necessary to withstand those challenges. The first suitcase is opened for you; the second you have to open yourself.

A kippah is a head-covering traditionally worn by Jewish men and boys as a sign of reverence and respect to G‑d.

I saw not only the beauty that Judaism has to offer, but slowly, the hand of G‑d in life’s little details. Little did I know that G‑d was setting in place the tools I would desperately need in my life, more than I ever could have imagined.

I wondered if all of my personal and professional work during the past 40 years could possibly sustain me and my loved ones and my beloved “students” (aka clients).

The Menorah is a symbol of the mission statement of the Jewish people. Our task is to illuminate ourselves and the world around us with the warmth, enlightenment and inspiration of the Torah.