Joy
Uplifting our hearts, celebrating our precious lives
Spiritual Practice
‘Birkhot Hashakhar’: The Morning Blessings as Mindfulness Practice
Every berakhah that we recite is an opportunity to focus our attention mindfully on a blessing that we might otherwise ignore.
March 8, 2026
3 Comments
Antisemitism
Unlearning Jewish Anxiety: How to Live with More Joy and Less Suffering
When we prioritize caring for ourselves and cultivating joy, we become better resourced to address tikkun olam.
February 22, 2026
No Comments
Community
‘Laughter Torah Yoga’: Joyous Vulnerability as a Path to Radical Amazement
Laughter is a form of prayer that allows us to accept and forgive ourselves, each other, life and God.
February 22, 2026
1 Comment
Antisemitism
The Most Important Thing Is Not to Be AfraidÂ
It is a struggle to separate our inherited fears from our assessment of present threats.
January 4, 2026
2 Comments
Spiritual Practice
Between Chaos and Light: Birthing a Child, Birthing OurselvesÂ
Be brave and willing to be present to the moment — untamed, treacherous and holy.
September 5, 2025
No Comments
Community
‘Elohai Neshamah’: The Soul Is Pure
We each possess a perfect, pure and untainted core.
December 3, 2023
1 Comment
2 Responses
I don’t necessarily look for joy when I pray every morning. There are certainly events in my (and everybody’s) life that don’t lend themselves to joy, What that prayer means to me is re-establishing a sense of connection to God and to the Jewish people (and, obviously, to my family and friends) and restating my gratitude that I’m still alive, and in terrible times such as the death of my husband, . giving me the strength to continue putting one foot in front of the other. Sue Greenberg (RRC 2002)
To each its due.