Friday, October 14, 2011

Staying on the Path

We each have our own personal path to God, even those of us who struggle with defining God, denying God, or embracing God’s presence in the world. The search for something holy and big demands our attention.

Sometimes we look at others and wonder how their pathway leads to a greater sense of satisfaction and pleasure. Is God more present for them than for us? We project that the path of another is easier than our own.

Stay on your path, for it is the path that has been created for you. Navigate the detours and the downhills, but stay on course with your heart.

Stay on your path and this will lead you to a personal truth about God.

Friday, October 7, 2011

One Coin at a Time

Every year, a few hours before the beginning of Yom Kippur, the Lubavitcher Rabbi Menachem Schneerson would enter the synagogue for prayer holding a bag of coins.

The tables were covered with hundreds of charity plates that represented a multitude of causes, from food for the needy and assistance to poor brides, to schools and families in distress.

The “Rebbe” would methodically and mindfully place a coin into each plate. He took care not to skip a single one. Each plate represented a community or an individual who needed help materially or spiritually.

Each charity was significant. The Rebbe took this holy task to be his preparation for his Yom Kippur prayers and reflections.

What will be your holy preparation for your Yom Kippur prayers?

I count each one of you on my Spiritualetters list to be a significant blessing for me. I hope you will forgive me if I hurt you by word or deed, or by omission.

May we all be sealed in the book of life and contentment.