Instructions
THE BIG IDEA
Everything in the physical world can be understood as a metaphor for the presence of a parallel spiritual reality. For example, the way that clothing covers the body can be seen as a metaphor for the way the body covers the soul.
And while it is true that you can take off your clothes and walk around naked, unless you are on a designated part of a beach or a deserted island, you are likely to get arrested. The same holds true for the soul, while there can be moments of deep spiritual connection and ‘out-of-body’ experiences, without a body, your soul can’t exist in this world.
This week, as we read the instructions for the intricate garments of the high priest, we might all benefit from approaching this highly detailed description of physical clothing as a visual metaphor for the way Torah and Mizvot function as form of spiritual clothing for the entire jewish people.
Just as Aaron and his sons are forbidden to perform their service for God without their very specific priestly garments, so too, without Torah and Mitzvot, it is hard to stand before God and ask for mercy during this time of existential need for the land and people of Israel and jews around the world.
Pay special attention to keeping your spiritual undergarments clean during this time — (the thoughts you have about other people, specifically Israelis and other jews). If there is one spiritual garment I recommend wearing during this time of war and crisis, it is to do the deep inner work of learning to love and respect yourself and others as trusted carriers of divine light.
LEARNING TO LOVE: a few tips
As members of a spiritual collective, it's essential during this time of emergency for each of us to slow down and fight our own inner spiritual battles. This personal development work helps prepare the internal space for divinity to reveal itself - in our personal life and the life of the collective.
With approximately 30 days until Purim, (the time of transformation from despair to joy, from annihilation to military victory) it is an excellent time to get to work.
Journaling is an essential way to fight the inner battle. Be sure to begin and end intentionally dedicating your practice to the enduring victory and peace for the Jewish people and the Land of Israel.
Prompts:
1) Make a list of everyone that annoys you or that you hate.
2) Person by person, write out the characteristics that bother you.
3) State all your judgements of each person clearly in "You are" statements.
4) Then, when you feel ready, try writing each of those statements as "I am" statements.
5) Keep journaling with each "I am" statement until you find the memory or feeling that first informed your trigger.
Remember, this is private and personal internal work. The more you connect your personal spiritual growth to the healing and victory of the Jewish people, the deeper you will be inspired and led to go.