Wings (K’nafayim)
כנפיים
We are surrounded by winged creatures, from butterflies and bees, to hummingbirds to hawks. All are amazing, but since time immemorial birds in particular have inspired human beings with a dream of flying and freedom. They have always been part of human culture, religion and mythology. Birds and their wings figure in Biblical literature, such as the dove as a symbol of peace and safety, or the eagle as one of power and support. The fact that birds’ wings can bear them into the heavens gives them an association with divinity. Wings can symbolize nurturance, shelter and protection, or in the case of a butterfly, the possibility of utter transformation. The ubiquitous nature of winged creatures is an ever-present reminder of transcendence in everyday life.
Soar into the Gateway of Wings, as we explore the symbolism of birds and flying creatures in Jewish tradition and in your life.
Choose your favorite Pathway, or follow them in order:
Winged Insects as Soul Symbols
Recently I got to see a "butterfly release" in the park. A woman and her daughter who grow a butterfly friendly garden, had raised Monarchs and were releasing them into their native habitat. From there, the butterflies would live for two weeks, but the third...
Swallows in Northern California
Swallows blending heaven and earth at Five Mile Bridge in Bidwell Park, in our former home in Chico, California. Their long pointed...
Gallery of Birds
I'm fascinated by birds and they are probably my most sought (and most challenging) subjects to photograph. Here are some favorite bird photos that I took, mostly at Rockefeller State Park Preserve. Learn more about birding (birdwatching) and conservation from the...
Be Like the Bird (song and video)
https://youtu.be/kEANteNY0h0 "Be Like the Bird" is a simple, exquisite song about the power of faith to bear us up, even when we lose the sense of a solid foundation beneath us. At the end of a shiva service, my friend, Rabbi Pam Wax, in mourning after...
A Guide’s Perspective: It’s Not Always Easy Being a Dove
Bird metaphors as old as the Bible are still evocative today. When someone is favors fierce military actions, they are often called a "hawk," while one who prefers diplomacy and peace is called a "dove." The Dove has been a symbol of peace and security throughout the...
Tikkun Olam: The Audubon Society and Bird Conservation
We've heard the expression, "a canary in a coal mine," to make a metaphor of the way in which birds can serve as indicators of toxic environments. Although canaries are no longer carried into mines to test for carbon monoxide, the fates of birds and other winged...