Eclectic Cleric

Resilience, Grace, and Compassion - an Election Meditation

After an election, a moment for a healing meditation on resilience, grace, and compassion can be grounding and healing. Resilience is our steady anchor—reminding us that challenges, no matter how complex, can be met with strength. As we reflect, we invite grace: the ability to hold respect and kindness for all, even amid differences. This grace allows us to listen and understand perspectives that may be unfamiliar or challenging. Finally, compassion becomes our guide, encouraging us to move forward with empathy, to extend patience to ourselves and others, and to believe in the possibility of unity. In this meditation, we honor our interconnectedness and reaffirm a commitment to contribute positively, finding ways to heal and bridge divides with love, courage, and purpose.

Bedtime Ritual 52

As you settle in tonight, know you’re part of a community that has embraced peace and connection through these meditations. With each breath, let go of the day’s stress, feel your worries fade, and welcome the calm around you. This practice is your path to a restorative sleep, leaving you refreshed and ready for tomorrow. This isn’t just any meditation; it’s a unique mix of mindfulness and the comforting wisdom of Jewish bedtime traditions, reimagined for everyone, no matter your background or experience. We’re bringing these ancient practices of comfort and protection into a modern, accessible format, helping you ease into a tranquil, restful state.

Your Hidden Face (a meditation on Halloween)

Imagine standing before a mirror, noticing the layers you've worn like masks: the roles you play, the armor you don to meet expectations, and the ways you shape yourself for acceptance. These masks can protect and empower, but they can also hide parts of our true selves. In the spirit of Halloween, let’s reflect on the masks we choose and those that have become so familiar we forget they're there. 

Gently ask yourself, "What do I hide, and why?" Let this question float, bringing awareness to the parts of you yearning for freedom. Breathe deeply, embracing the vulnerable self beneath the masks—the one that is flawed, complex, and deeply real. What if you allowed even a glimpse of that self to be seen? Imagine peeling back a layer, even for a moment, and meeting the world with a more authentic face. This, too, is courage: showing up whole, mask and all.

Pride and Gratitude

Take a moment to reflect on the balance of pride and gratitude. Pride arises from the hard work, effort, and resilience we've poured into our accomplishments. It’s the sense of fulfillment we feel when we reach a goal or overcome a challenge, an acknowledgment of our dedication. Yet, gratitude reminds us of the grace and gifts we’ve received along the way—support from others, opportunities that appeared, and moments of insight beyond our control. Embrace pride in your journey and achievements, and let gratitude soften the edges, grounding you in the humbling awareness that we’re shaped by both our hands and gifts beyond them. Together, pride and gratitude create harmony, offering both purpose and perspective.

Bedtime Ritual 51

As you settle in tonight, know you’re part of a community that has embraced peace and connection through these meditations. With each breath, let go of the day’s stress, feel your worries fade, and welcome the calm around you. This practice is your path to a restorative sleep, leaving you refreshed and ready for tomorrow. This isn’t just any meditation; it’s a unique mix of mindfulness and the comforting wisdom of Jewish bedtime traditions, reimagined for everyone, no matter your background or experience. We’re bringing these ancient practices of comfort and protection into a modern, accessible format, helping you ease into a tranquil, restful state.

Joy for Time, Nature, and the Mind

This meditation for Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah invites you to embrace the joy of time, nature, and the mind’s endless potential. As the Torah cycle comes to a close and begins anew, reflect on the beauty of this moment—a pause in time to appreciate the divine rhythms of life. Breathe deeply, feeling the earth beneath you and the changing seasons around you. Nature’s cycle mirrors our own, reminding us of renewal and continuity. Let your mind dance with gratitude for the wisdom received, and for the capacity to grow, learn, and celebrate. In this sacred space, you are in harmony with the universe—joyful in your connection to time, creation, and the unfolding journey of your soul. Let your heart overflow with the simcha (joy) of this moment.

Bedtime Ritual 50

Get ready to celebrate the 50th edition of guided bedtime meditation—a milestone in peaceful transitions and restful nights! This isn’t just any meditation; it's a special blend of mindfulness and the wisdom of Jewish bedtime rituals, reimagined and translated for everyone, no matter your background or experience. We’re taking ancient traditions of comfort and protection and bringing them to life in a modern, accessible way that welcomes you into a tranquil state of deep relaxation. So as you settle in tonight, know you’re joining a community that has found peace and connection through these 50 beautiful meditations. With every breath, let go of the stresses of the day, feel your worries dissolve, and embrace the serenity that surrounds you. This practice is your gateway to a peaceful, restorative sleep, empowering you to wake up refreshed, revitalized, and ready to take on tomorrow. Here’s to 50 more nights of peaceful rest! Sleep well.

Lulav & Etrog Meditation

This meditation focuses on the balance between learning and action, drawing from the symbolic meaning of the Four Species used during Sukkot. Each plant represents different aspects of the spiritual journey. The etrog, symbolizing both Torah study and mitzvot, encourages us to integrate wisdom with righteous action. The lulav, representing knowledge without deeds, reminds us that learning alone is incomplete without application. The myrtle, fulfilling mitzvot without study, teaches that action can still be meaningful even if we lack deep understanding. Lastly, the willow, symbolizing neither study nor practice, invites us to reflect on potential and growth, encouraging us to elevate our lives through both learning and doing. In this meditation, we seek harmony between study and action, recognizing the necessity of both in our spiritual and personal development.

Bedtime Ritual 49

Welcome to this guided bedtime meditation, designed to help you wind down and drift off to sleep peacefully. This meditation incorporates elements from the Jewish bedtime ritual, but I’ve translated and interpreted the prayers to be accessible to everyone, no matter your background.

This practice is more than just a way to end your day—it’s a gentle, mindful transition from your daily activities to a restful night. So, take a moment to get comfortable, settle in, and take a few deep breaths.

As you listen, allow yourself to release any lingering thoughts or worries. Feel the calmness wash over you, bringing you a sense of tranquility. With each breath, sink deeper into relaxation, letting go of the day, and preparing for a night of restful sleep.

Embrace this peaceful moment, knowing that you're surrounded by a tradition of comfort and protection. Sleep well, and wake up feeling refreshed.

Responsibly Iconoclastic

This homily on Parashat Ki Tetze (Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19) encourages artists to boldly challenge conventions while staying grounded in compassion and responsibility. Ki Tetze's myriad of mitzvot, especially those about ethical treatment of others and safeguarding the vulnerable, offer a powerful framework for artists. Just as the Torah commands us to care for the marginalized and protect what’s sacred, artists are reminded that creativity isn't about tearing down for its own sake but about transforming the world with purpose. This teaching urges artists to embrace their iconoclastic spirit, pushing boundaries in their work while ensuring their impact uplifts and serves the greater good, blending disruption with empathy and social responsibility.