Eclectic Cleric

Narrow to Expansive

This meditation journeys from constriction to compassion. We begin in the inner posture of Sodom—guarded, withholding, fearful of scarcity. Like Lot retreating to Zoar, we notice our own impulse to shrink from relationship, to seek safety in smallness. With the breath, we soften that stance, opening toward the expansiveness embodied by Abraham—who, the rabbis teach, carried the whole world in his heart. We feel the spaciousness of that heart: generous, hospitable, alive with care. From this place of openness, we cultivate moral courage—the readiness to speak, to intercede, to stand for justice as Abraham did before God. The practice closes in stillness, holding both vulnerability and strength: the movement from self-protection to sacred advocacy, from narrowness to love that shelters others within it.

Bedtime Ritual 68

Each small act—a shared meal, a kind word, a song, or a quiet laugh—becomes a thread in the fabric of belonging. Every evening carries the spirit of renewal: a chance to release what’s done, to forgive what’s frayed, and to welcome the promise of rest and restoration.

As the day draws to a close, evening invites a quiet joy and mindful connection—a gentle threshold between what has been and what is yet to come. It’s not about excitement or accomplishment, but about softening into presence: a shared smile, a whispered thank-you, a moment to notice the gift of simply being together.

With warmth, playfulness, and quiet imagination, evening becomes a sacred pause—an opportunity to bless the closing of the day with gratitude and love. In these tender, familiar moments, safety and connection grow, turning nightfall into a gentle return to peace.

The Power of Hospitality

This meditation, inspired by Genesis 12-17 (Lekh L’kha), begins with gentle settling—breath by breath, arriving into presence. Awareness opens like Abraham’s tent in the heat of day, spacious and receptive. We attune to the rhythm of being, the stillness beneath motion, the quiet hum of aliveness. Then, we imagine ourselves as guests—welcomed by a generous host whose care is effortless and abundant. What sensations arise in being received so warmly? What softens when we are seen, nourished, and at ease? Let those feelings of gratitude and safety fill the body like sunlight through open canvas. Gradually, the meditation turns: now you are the host. Your door is open; your heart extends welcome. Notice the warmth of offering shade, bread, or listening—how giving becomes its own blessing. In this circle of hospitality, guest and host become one, each mirroring divine presence through simple kindness, presence, and shared breath.

Bedtime Ritual 67

This brief bedtime Shema offers a gentle transition from the fullness of the day into the quiet of night. Rooted in gratitude and forgiveness, it invites a soft unwinding—a release of what’s been carried and a return to simple presence. Together or alone, you might share a few calm breaths, a whispered "Shema," or a tender goodnight, allowing the day to settle gently behind you.

Even without the longer rituals or stories, each gesture—a touch on the shoulder, a murmured blessing, a shared stillness—becomes its own prayer. The familiar rhythm of this practice creates a pocket of peace: a moment to let go, to forgive, and to remember that rest itself is holy. In this shortened form, the essence remains the same—a sacred pause where love, safety, and trust prepare the heart for sleep.

Becoming Giant

This meditation invites you to awaken the giant within — inspired by the mysterious Nephilim and Anakim, the great beings of ancient lore who walked tall upon the earth. As you breathe and expand your awareness, imagine yourself growing in spiritual stature: your presence stretching upward like a mighty tree, your reach extending in all directions, your heart vast and luminous. In this stillness, you are invited to become immense not in power over others, but in spirit — cultivating wisdom, compassion, and courage that fill the space around you. Stand tall in soul, rooted and radiant, a gentle giant of awareness.

Small and Infinite

This meditation journeys through Rabbi Simcha Bunim’s teaching that each person should carry two notes—one reading, I am dust and ashes, and the other, For my sake the world was created. We begin by resting in smallness: breathing into humility, fragility, and the freedom that comes from releasing control. From there, we open to vastness—the spark of divine potential within, the creativity and purpose that make each life indispensable. Through breath and awareness, we hold both truths at once: we are fleeting dust, and we are the reason existence sings. Between these poles of insignificance and infinite worth, the heart finds balance, awe, and belonging. The meditation invites the listener to dwell in that paradox—small and essential, one with all creation, called to live fully in the wide embrace of the universe.

Heart Opening

Deuteronomy 29:9–30:20 (Parashat Nitzavim) reminds us that “the concealed things belong to God, but the revealed are for us.” At first glance, this speaks of hidden sins—but spiritually it also points to the places we keep our hearts closed, concealed even from ourselves. In meditation, we begin by noticing that inner hiding: the tightness, the guardedness, the secrets folded inward. With breath, we soften. With awareness, we reveal. From concealment we move toward openness, offering the heart without fear. As we rest in that openness, we sense the pull of the cosmos itself, the gentle lure Isaiah names when God delights in us—hefzi-bah, “My delight is in her.” What was once hidden becomes embraced; what was closed begins to shine. To meditate on Nitzavim is to practice standing present, heart open, drawn out of hiding by divine delight and by the universe’s deep invitation to belong.

Bedtime Ritual 66

Each small act—a bedtime story, a lullaby, a prayer, or a giggle under the covers—becomes a thread in the fabric of belonging. The routine carries the spirit of renewal that the new year calls forth: a chance to release what’s done, to forgive what’s frayed, and to welcome the promise of rest. As the day draws to a close, this bedtime ritual invites a quiet joy and mindful connection—an evening demarcation (havdalah) of sorts between the day that was and the rest that comes. It’s not about excitement or accomplishment, but about softening into presence: a shared smile during teeth brushing, a whispered thank-you for the day, a moment to notice the gift of simply being together. With warmth, playfulness, and quiet imagination, bedtime becomes a sacred pause—an opportunity to bless the closing of the day with gratitude and love. In these tender, familiar moments, safety and connection grow, turning the night’s descent into a gentle return to peace.

Universal Symphony

Listen deeply to the world around you — to rhythms and polyrhythms unfolding everywhere. Hear the hum of traffic, the rustle of leaves, the rhythm of footsteps, the pulse of your own breath. Notice the balance between small and large, fast and slow, low and high, natural and manmade sounds. Each vibration, from birdsong to machinery, contributes to a vast and intricate harmony. As you open to this awareness, sense how every tone and silence belongs to one living composition — the voice of creation itself. The sacred is not distant or rare; it is resonating through every sound, every heartbeat, every breath. Listen, and recognize that you are part of the great music, perfectly in tune with all that is, a Universal Symphony

Your Uniqueness

The Jewish holiday of Shemini Atzeret is unique for Pazer Keshev—Pur, Zeman, Regel, Korban, Shir— and this meditation invites you to meet the holiness of your uniqueness.
Begin with Pur, lot: reflect on the portion that has fallen to you—the blend of gifts and circumstances that shape your life.
Move to Zeman, time: sense the season you are in now, its particular rhythm, challenge, and opportunity.
Then Regel, celebration: imagine how you share joy—your own way of dancing, gathering, or creating connection.
Korban, sacrifice or service: offer what is most authentic in you to something greater; let your work, love, or attention be your gift.
Finally Shir, song: listen for the melody only your life can sing.
Rest in this awareness—your lot, this time, your joy, your offering, your song—woven into the music of all creation.