In the desert I walked, so long Alone, beyond an evening sun. While earlier in town we danced For loves, as easily lost as won. Passing beyond the city gates I’d found a destiny within that sings Knowing deeply what can end, Renews, and once again begins. For ages, it felt, walking, An infinity, in … More »
Category Archives: Multidimensional Judaism
6 Questions
What is Ahead of Me?
For the mothers of single daughters – this column is for you…. In her article this month Susan Silverman says what is ahead of us is built upon what is behind us. She argues that the values, Jewish ideals, and religious beliefs we have, direct our hand at every turn so that the decisions that … More »
B’Shem Hashem
B’shem Hashem, elohei Yisrael B’ymini Michael u-smoli Gavriel U-milfanai Uriel, me’acharai Raphael V’al roshi, v’al roshi, Shechinat-El This song, also known as Reb Shlomo Carlebach’s “Angel Song,” unifies Jews from every corner of the world. The simple words are chanted into a beautiful chorus of harmonies and melodies that invite the immanent presence of God … More »
Reading Torah Multidimensionally
I live with a multidimensional relationship to my Judaism. On the one hand, I live a fairly traditional life, I read texts from the rabbinic tradition and make personal and spiritual meaning from Jewish rituals. Yet on the other hand, I see a human hand in the tradition’s formation. I learn about Torah from a … More »
Continuing Reflections of a Low-Church Jew
This month’s edition of Sh’ma poses, through the lens of David Moss’ artistic work “The Multi-Dimensional Jew: A Map of Judaism,” six questions: What is behind me? What surrounds me? What is within me? What is above me? Whom do I face? What is ahead of me? As I consider Moss’ artwork, the essays in … More »
Nothing or Everything?
The Book of Ecclesiastes teaches: “One generation goes, another comes, but the earth remains the same forever (1:4).” I read deep into this: We are but a speck, a spot. Eternity precedes us and infinity follows us. We ground ourselves in this moment, knowing that our time is fleeting. We put our troubles, our egos, … More »
Bollywood, Interfaith Dialogue, and the Shechinah: How the Stories of Others Enlighten Our Own
‘So, do you know anything about India?’ my Indian cab driver asked matter-of-factly. ‘Not to be stereotypical, but I love Bollywood movies,’ I answered with an apologetic yet hopeful tone. ‘Oh! Which is your favorite?’ his face lit up. I knew then that the rest of my cab ride would be awesome. My not-so-secret guilty … More »
Linking Time and Space to Cross Dimensions
Walking through Central Park with his students, Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel used to stop now and then and cry out, “Look at the trees!” All conversation would pause, all serious matters being discussed put on hold and for the moment all that mattered was the trees. Maybe they were pink and budding with spring flowers. … More »