Torah Study: Named by the Rivers

Torah Study: Named by the Rivers

Flowing water can be considered as a metaphor for change as it runs continually down the riverbed. It can also be considered as a metaphor for change in terms of making a crossing. In fact, the Jewish people gained two of our names from crossing rivers. (more…)

Flowing Water in the Psalms

Flowing Water in the Psalms

The Psalms (Tehillim) of the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh) are replete with imagery from nature, including beautiful and poignant references to flowing water, both calm and stormy. Here are a few:

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Water wears down stone

Water wears down stone

How did Rabbi Akiva get started? They said at age 40 he had not even begun to study. Once he was standing at the mouth of the well and said, “Who carved this stone?” They said, “The water that drips constantly every day,” and they also said to (more…)

Flowing Water in Hassidic and Mystical Thought

Flowing Water in Hassidic and Mystical Thought

In Hassidic and mystical thought, a river can be a symbol of the Shefa שֶפַע the abundance or flow from God to humanity. There is a sense that if we can serve properly and pray with true intention, we will open the faucet, as it were, to receive the divine flow into the world. Another way to see it is that the flow is always there, but through prayer and meditation we will become more conscious and appreciative of it.

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Wading as a Spiritual Practice

Wading as a Spiritual Practice

One of my favorite meditations in summer is to put on a pair of immersible sport sandals and go wading. It forces me to slow down and be in the moment, connecting with nature in multiple senses

Take a wading meditation with me. . .

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A Guide’s Perspective: Life is But a Stream

A Guide’s Perspective: Life is But a Stream

 

 

Time is but the stream I go a-fishing in. I drink at it; but while I drink I see the sandy bottom and detect how shallow it is. Its thin current slides away, but eternity remains.”

― Henry David Thoreau, Walden

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Being in the Flow

Being in the Flow

 Psychologists have explored the concept of being in a State of Flow, when we essentially become one with our actions. I sometimes feel that the Shefa, שֶפַע the divine abundance of life is flowing freely, while at other times I feel that I am swimming against the current and getting nowhere.

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Tashlich: Can water carry away our mistakes?

A Poem

From TODAY IS FOREVER

I stroll often in a nearby park —
old trees wildly overgrown,
bushes and flowers blooming all four seasons,
a creek babbling childishly over pebbles,
a small bridge with rough-hewn railings–
this is my little park. (more…)

Video: Moments of Eternity in the Passing Flow of Life

 

Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it. The river was cut by the world’s great flood and runs over rocks from the basement of time. On some of the rocks are timeless raindrops. Under the rocks are the words, and some of the words are theirs. I am haunted by waters.

–A River Runs Through It and Other Stories by Norman Maclean

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Personal Creative Ritual: Tashlich for Letting Go

Personal Creative Ritual: Tashlich for Letting Go

My situation had no ritual, and that nearly sent me into despair.

As a rabbi, I lead rituals to help people deal with change and loss. Joyful yet sometimes stressful occasions like weddings, brit ceremonies, b’nei mitzvah.  Sad passages like funerals, shivah and even divorce. They are all laden with rituals that help ease us through the passages of life. But not every life passage has a set ritual. (more…)

Tikkun Olam: River Activism

Tikkun Olam: River Activism

When it comes to water, air, and climate, there really are no national borders. Learn about some great Tikkun Olam organizations that focus on Rivers in the US, Mideast and Worldwide. (more…)

Sharing Circle: Flowing Water

Sharing Circle: Flowing Water

Join the Sharing Circle of Flowing Water to explore any of the themes in this Gateway.

How do you achieve a sense of flow? Is it something you do consciously? What activity in your life gives you the greatest sense of being in the flow?

I would also love to hear about your personal and spiritual experiences related to the flowing water of rivers and creeks.

Please share in the comments and get the dialogue flowing.

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