And… Pray
THE BIG IDEA
This week’s torah energy carries the “the greatest hits” of the Jewish spiritual tradition, and the lessons we all need to move out of a place of despair and into the full moon of love.
Moses shares openly, without shame, his prayerful attempt to overturn God’s decision to ban him from entering the holy land, his disappointment in his own fate, and his unwavering loyalty to God and the exact people that caused him to falter — inviting us all to expand our understanding and practice of love for God and one another.
A mature adult relationship constantly shifts, always at risk of weakening across time and ever changing circumstances. Moses’ teaching on maintaining closeness with the divine energy is a recipe that can maintain and strengthen all of our loving connections; actively remember the miracle of the initial encounter (exodus from slavery), the moment love was seared in you forever (10 Utterances at Sinai), respect clearly defined boundaries and articulated desires (torah and mitzvoth), and maintain the space to forgive if and when boundaries are violated (idol worship/hating on other jews) - provided the yearning and desire to return to the relationship is full bodied and sincere (with your whole heart and soul).
This year, on Tu B’Av, the jewish day of love, lets all try our best to love ourselves, each other and the divine with a whole heart, soul, and being (all your means). And when anyone asks why you believe in God and respect these ancient ways— let’s all remind them and each other, with pride and joy, what a gift we have been given to practice the ultimate love in lives in our spiritually designated land, and into this depraved world.
SOME HELPFUL LOVE MANTRAS
Here are two mantras to repeat internally over and over if your thoughts on love are interrupted.
#1
אַתָּה֙ הׇהרְאֵ֣תָ לָדַ֔עַת כִּ֥י יְהֹוָ֖ה ה֣וּא הָאֱלֹהִ֑ים אֵ֥ין ע֖וֹד מִלְּבַדּֽוֹ׃
“It has been clearly demonstrated to you that יהוה alone is God; there is none else”.
if you ever feel negative energy, the stink eye from someone, or doubt about your own life — repeat this spiritual power tool to clear everything around you. THERE IS NO OTHER.
#2
שְׁמַ֖ע יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵ֖ינוּ יְהֹוָ֥ה ׀ אֶחָֽד׃
“Hear, O Israel! יהוה is our God, יהוה alone”.
GOD IS ONE - The “Shemah” is our most powerful spiritual tool of affirmation and connection. During this time of uncertainty - say this mantra over and over and drop into the mystery of Oneness to which and through which we are all connected as ONE.
Trust in the LOVE.
Believe in the ONE.