Mia Sherwood Landau: Posted on Sunday, April 07, 2013 8:30 AM
"The human being is composed of two parts: body and soul. Paradoxically,
they represent two extremes, and, miraculously, they seem to co-exist. One
side of the human, the body, is driven toward materialism and has little
interest in spiritual concepts, including, and sometimes especially, G-d.
The soul, on the other hand, ONLY cares about G-d and His will. Like parent
and child, they seem, much of the time, to occupy the same space, but with
opposite goals."
Rabbi Pinchas Winston posted those words on Torah.org in his article on this week's Torah portion, Tazria. It is refreshing to think about our inner challenges as a parent/child relationship, which always involves conflict based on perceptions of age and personal desires.
I have a goal to remember and listen to my soul more often now. All the distractions in the world tend to seem much more important and pressing than the cry of my eternal soul, and the depth of longing for connection inside me.
I want my "soul goals" and my "body goals" to match up in order to achieve balance and grace in my spiritual growth. More significantly, I want my soul to prevail.
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Mia Sherwood Landau: Posted on Thursday, March 28, 2013 8:30 AM
Women defied Pharoh's decree of death, resulting in Moses' opportunity to live and serve as leader of the Hebrew people. Women also led the joyous celebration after the miracle of crossing the Red Sea. Many times women are called and naturally step up with courage to change the course of human history.
But this is not only an historical reality. It happens every week in each home where a woman (or a man if a woman is not present) chooses Sabbath candle lighting as a conscious act honoring life, creation, peace and rest.
Dr Jacob Wright and Dr Tamara Cohn posted an article on Fox News this week called, The Passover Story Begins With Women. They write, "Miriam’s world is one in which social, political, and economic
structures are all designed to oppress the body and crush the spirit. It
is a dehumanizing world. But the abuse fails to vanquish her faith in
humanity."
The authors are writing about Miriam, the sister of Moses, who accompanied the little basket carrying himalong the river when she was young. She stayed with her brother until he was found by the daughter of Pharoh, and lifted out of the water to begin his new life in Pharoh's palace. Miriam's courage contributed greatly to the history of the Hebrew people when she was just a child.
But the quote also applies to Miriam as an adult, at the time she led the women in joyous celebration and song after the sea parted, allowing the Hebrew people safe passage into their new life of freedom. She raised her timbrel, a tambourine with bells on it, and led the women in song and dance. Once again, Miriam set an example for us all to follow.
I say that every one of us who lights Shabbos candles to welcome the Sabbath on Friday night is also showing great faith in humanity, and in our Almighty God who made us.
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