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Post by louise on Sept 1, 2016 23:41:15 GMT -5
What’s on your mind — how to make kugel? this week’s Torah reading? life goals? prayer? We are all engaged in weight loss/weight maintenance journeys and we are all Jewish or at least interested in Judaism. We like to eat, we like to discuss. It is our goal here to provide each other support on our journeys, to share experiences, to call on our rich cultural heritage and texts, and to help each other grow spiritually.
Some of us take weekly turns starting the thread:
Angelika
Holly
Lee
Louise
Lynne
Peachy
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Post by louise on Sept 1, 2016 23:45:00 GMT -5
We haven‘t had much traffic – not sure if it’s the last week of summer and people are out and about or if it was the poetry. Well, it was something different and I at least enjoyed it – but no poem today. This Shabbat is Rosh Chodesh Elul – the first day of Elul, the month that precedes the High Holy Days. It is customary to read Psalm 27 everyday (twice a day even) from now through Sukkot. Whether that is your custom or not I think we all do start thinking about the upcoming holy days and beginning to prepare for them. So I wanted to say something about Psalm 27. Probably the most often quoted verse is “One thing I ask of Adonai, for this I yearn: to dwell in the house of Adonai all the days of my life, to see the goodness of Adonai and to visit God’s sanctuary.”
I came across this by Rabbi Sheila Weinberg, apparently taken from a series of podcasts she did awhile back on the High Holy Days:
“One thing I ask of Adonai only that do I seek.” Imagine if you could ask one thing of Adonai; imagine if reality, life, all the powers and resources in existence could grant you one thing, and one thing only. Open your mind to the endless possibilities that could be incorporated into this singular ask. Would you ask for something? Some person? Health? Wealth? Power? Qualities of heart and mind? Intelligence? Courage? Patience? Honor?
Psalm 27 is recited from Elul through Sukkot – it is a time of asking and seeking, a time to get clear – what do I really want? What am I honestly looking for? The High Holy Days are a personal time – it is about each person – the universal human condition. What am I asking for? The Psalmist answered like this – ‘to live in the house of Adonai all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of Adonai, and to frequent God’s temple.’ What do you seek? What are you asking for?
I don’t know that you would want to try that question literally but there’s something of a springboard there for whatever comes up for you.
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lee058
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Post by lee058 on Sept 2, 2016 7:34:08 GMT -5
Good morning everybody, and thanks Louise for an interesting week! I enjoyed the poetry, which as I said last Sunday, was unusual for me. So thanks again for finding some that spoke to me.
I will need to think about today's topic because there are several things that I want, but I don't absolutely know what I want most truly and honestly.
I'll be back later. Have a peaceful day, Lee
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Post by hollygail on Sept 2, 2016 9:03:53 GMT -5
I think Lee hit the nail on the head. There are lots of things I'd like, but the one that stands out that I'd want above all others? That's tough... To live closer to my son and grandson (and maybe my other grandchildren who currently reside in British Columbia, Canada, too)? Best of health for me and DH? To live closer to my own dear sister and DBIL? To be independently wealthy so I can live anywhere I choose (and maybe numerous places, like some people I know) and do whatever I choose? Not an easy question, Louise... Achat sha-alti mei-eit adonai otah avakesh...
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Post by savtele on Sept 2, 2016 9:29:26 GMT -5
Boker Tov All! I feel good this morning - no appointments for anyone, and I have upcoming appointments with cataract specialist (no biggie, I'm sure) and a macular degeneration specialist (also no biggie - it's been mentioned before, but always as a "very unconventional presentation" - and never as a real concern)
Louise - I have enjoyed this week. I've enjoyed the particular poems/poets - and Psalm 27 seems like the perfect "poem" to end the week/start the season! As to there not being much traffic here - we've had many visitors, but not many who stopped to talk. I blame that on the fact that people are getting everything ready for back to school/end of summer/Labor Day weekend. I know many people are camping (in OR in the rain - tradition!)
What "one thing" do I seek? I do not know. Something personal, or something for the greater good of humanity. Something to benefit my family, or something to benefit my community. Obviously, it must be something that I could then apply my energies toward. Like Lee and Holly, I also will be thinking about this!
Meanwhile - I'm off to the pool. Nice to not have to rush off anywhere.
Shabbat Shalom, All!
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Post by gazelle18 on Sept 2, 2016 9:51:11 GMT -5
This was a great week, Louise. Thanks for all the poetry. It is a medium I don't usually love, because sometime I think it requires too much "work." I realize how much I miss because I often go the easier route.
Re today's question, what is the one thing I want? I guess it would be to be fully and completely "realized." By that I mean that I ( like all of us) have many talents, advantages, and abilities. I don't always let them fully "flower." I would like to become "all that I can be." After all, isn't that the best way to thank God for what he has given me?
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Post by peachymom1 on Sept 2, 2016 10:40:55 GMT -5
Louise, thank you for a wonderful and insightful week!
What one thing would I ask God for that I can't get for myself? Perhaps courage. That's what I ask God for the most often -- courage, when things are difficult and I'm scared or suffering. And the wisdom to ask for help instead of feeling embarrassed that I need it.
I'm going to go read Psalm 27 in its entirety right now; I have a small Tanach in my drawer. If I don't get back here, everyone have a wonderful holiday weekend. Shabbat shalom!
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lee058
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Posts: 23,258
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Post by lee058 on Sept 2, 2016 17:54:34 GMT -5
Hi again. I've been thinking things over, and I can't narrow down what I really want for myself to just one thing. The three things that I want for myself are kindness, strength, and self-preservation. I want to be able to help people without losing myself.
I spoke with my mom for THREE HOURS today on the phone because she really needed me. I feel good, just tired out. I'm glad I was able to help her.
Have a great weekend everybody, and a peaceful evening! Lee
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