Energy Is Everywhere: How to Shift, Cultivate, and Protect Yours
Energy is everywhere, all the time. It flows between us, within us, and through the spaces we inhabit. But when we feel drained, stuck, or scattered, it can be hard to remember that energy is something we can shift. Whether it’s through movement, music, community, or simple daily practices, we have the power to protect, cultivate, and borrow energy when we need it. Here’s how to tend to your inner light and create a life that fuels you.
Your Energy Is Everything: Here’s How to Care for It
Your energy is your most valuable resource—yet so many of us are unknowingly leaking it every day. In this post, we’ll explore simple ways to protect, rebuild, and use your energy to create a life that fuels you.
Spiritual and Practical Decluttering for a New Season
Spring has a way of stirring the urge to cleanse, to declutter, to create space. But decluttering isn’t just about our closets—it’s about making room for what truly matters in our homes, minds, and lives. As I prepare to let go of things I’ve stored for years, I’m reminded that every object, belief, and commitment should earn its place. What are you holding onto that no longer serves you?
A Shabbat Under the Mango Trees
Shabbat under the mango trees—a simple yet magical evening of community, connection, and tradition. As we shared food under fairy lights, I was reminded that Shabbat isn’t about perfection, but about pausing, recharging, and finding home wherever we gather.
Terumah – What We Carry With Us
The Tabernacle wasn’t built to stay in one place—it was meant to move, just like us. As a traveler and minimalist, I’ve learned that creating sacred space isn’t about permanence, but about intention. From a travel menorah to a few treasured objects, the things I carry help me stay grounded and connected, no matter where I go. What do you carry with you to make a space feel like home?
Mishpatim: The Roadmap to Becoming Who You Want to Be
Mishpatim might seem like a long list of rules, but what if it's actually a roadmap? Judaism teaches that transformation doesn’t happen in a monastery or on a mountaintop—it happens through daily actions. The way we treat people, the choices we make, and the small acts of integrity shape who we become. Your actions aren’t just things you do—they’re who you are becoming.
Parashat Yitro: It’s all about Action
Parashat Yitro isn’t just about the giving of the Ten Commandments—it’s about the radical idea that how we live matters more than what we believe. Whether or not you see these commandments as divine, they offer a framework for intentional living. Personal growth, like Judaism, isn’t just about theory—it’s about action. What guiding principles shape your life, and how are you putting them into practice?
When the Dance Feels Heavy: A Practice in Presence
October 7th haunts my ecstatic dance practice. But every Sunday, I show up—to move, to feel, to release, and to honor those who no longer can. Some days, the movement flows. Other days, like this one, it feels heavy and out of sync. In dance, as in life, the practice is the same: pause, breathe, and try again.
Manna, Minimalism, and My Grandpa Lenny
"Take all you want but eat all you take"—my Grandpa Lenny’s mealtime wisdom from his army days echoes through my life. In Parshat Beshalach, the Israelites received a similar lesson with the manna: take only what you need, or risk it spoiling. What does this ancient wisdom teach us in a world of excess and consumer culture?
Bo: Judaism Is Not About Conversion
Judaism has never been about conversion. In Parashat Bo, God unleashes plague after plague—not to convince the Egyptians of His power, but to solidify the Israelites’ belief and identity. Unlike other religions/cultures, Judaism isn’t about making more Jews; it’s about making sure we never forget who we are.
Va'era, the Holocaust, and the Power of Jewish Questioning
In Parashah Va'era, Moses—one of our greatest leaders—doubts himself and questions God. And yet, instead of being punished, he is met with guidance. Judaism does not demand blind faith; it encourages questioning. As we approach International Holocaust Remembrance Day, we reflect on the difficult questions that have shaped our people. What does it mean to be Jewish after such horrors? What keeps us connected despite generations of adversity? Va’era reminds us that we don’t need certainty to move forward—only the courage to keep asking.
From Shemot to Today: Leadership, Justice, and Compassion
Moses' journey in Shemot teaches us that true leadership isn’t just about defending our own—it’s about expanding our circle of care. We can stand firmly for Israel’s safety, while still feeling compassion for the pain and suffering of others. This balance—fierce advocacy and deep empathy—is what makes leadership truly powerful.
Parasha Vayechi: The Nuances of "Living"
Parasha Vayechi reminds us life is a dance between comfort/stability and embracing vitality and growth. In this week’s blog, I explore the nuances of "living" in the Hebrew words “vayechi” and “vayeshev”, using Joseph’s journey to reflect on how the balance between both types of living are essential to a life well lived.
Parasha Vayigash: Exploring Emotional Complexity and Human Connection in the Torah
In Parasha Vayigash, Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers, bringing decades of tension to a dramatic climax. This Torah portion invites us to reflect on emotional expression and human complexity, offering timeless lessons about grief, forgiveness, and connection. Dive into this week’s commentary to explore how Joseph’s journey mirrors our own emotional struggles and triumphs.
Joseph’s Journey: Choosing Growth Over Resentment in Parashah Miketz
What would you do if those who betrayed you came seeking your help? In Parashah Miketz, Joseph’s journey from prisoner to Pharaoh’s second-in-command teaches powerful lessons about forgiveness, resilience, and personal growth. Discover how his story challenges us to choose growth over resentment, turn adversity into opportunity, and embrace true transformation. Includes a thought-provoking journal prompt for your week ahead!
Turning Jealousy into Growth: Lessons from Parashah Vayishev
Parashah Vayishev reminds us that emotions like jealousy and envy hold powerful lessons. Dive into Joseph's story and discover how reframing jealousy can lead to clarity, growth, and transformation in your own life.
Wrestling with the Torah: Vayishlach’s Lessons
What does it mean to wrestle with identity, uncertainty, and faith? In this week’s parashah, Jacob’s transformation into Israel—'one who wrestles with God'—invites us into a legacy of questioning and growth. As we explore the layered, sometimes unsettling stories in Vayishlach, we uncover how wrestling with meaning keeps Jewish tradition alive and connects us to our shared name: Israel.
Not Religious, Just Deeply Jewish: Exploring Identity Beyond Belief
What does it mean to be proudly Jewish without being religious? In this blog post, I explore how Judaism is more than a religion—it's a culture, a heritage, and a source of spiritual connection that transcends time. Discover how Jewish identity can inspire pride, purpose, and belonging for secular Jews today.
Finding Jewish Connection: Lessons from Parashat Vayetze for Modern Wanderers
Parashat Vayetze explores Jacob’s journey of dreams, struggles, and the deep familial connections shaped by Rachel and Leah. As modern Jews living global or nontraditional lives, staying connected to Jewish identity can feel challenging. Discover how to embrace the richness of Jewish culture and sustain meaningful traditions, even when far from family or familiar rituals.
Vayetze: What Jacob’s Ladder Teaches Us About Personal Growth and Spirituality
What does Jacob’s ladder have to do with surfing, perfectionism, and personal growth? In Parashat Vayetze, Jacob’s dream of angels climbing and descending a ladder speaks to the nonlinear journey of life. Whether we’re moving up, sliding down, or standing still, there’s meaning to be found exactly where we are. Explore these timeless lessons and take a few journal prompts to reflect on your own path.