When we look at the vast magnificence of the universe extending toward infinity, it’s obvious that it is beyond the capacity of any human being to completely understand all of its brilliantly creative aspects, but what we can do is stretch our own awareness every day, in a way that allows us to comprehend a little more each time about the way the world works.

Our sages have told us that when we take the time to learn something new each day, we are drawing ourselves closer to the greater height of wisdom that’s within what is sometimes called the ‘heavenly realm.’

This is our true work here on earth—to grow in our recognition of the brilliant design that is our planet; to realize and be thankful that this magnificent life support system we’ve been given is for us to enjoy.

And everything that happens is to advance that goal, even if it doesn’t look like it at certain times. Everything that happens is to remind us that we’re not just human creatures struggling to survive, but awesomely designed forms of consciousness, who are required—actually required—to acknowledge and enjoy this natural habitat we’ve been given. This is the reason why we’re asked to say words of gratitude every day, even though we can’t physically see who has set this planet, and our lives, in motion.

As Isaiah explains in the Haftorah this week, when we turn our thoughts and our love to God, we will be redeemed with justice and righteousness. We will become the miracle that we seek.

As our thoughts and our prayers are with the citizens of Israel and their magnificent defense forces, we’ll discuss teachings this Shabbat from the Torah, Rav Kook, and other rabbis, that can help us to discover how to bring about the miracles. We’ll follow this with a short, silent meditation on the Shema.

Date: Saturday, August 2nd
Time: 6.25 pm. (Before Mincha)
Location: info@myraestelle.com

Life is a journey that takes us from not knowing to knowing, from doubt to clarity, and from feeling fear to feeling the freedom of creative thought and love.

It takes great effort and commitment to gradually lift ourselves up into clearer and clearer consciousness, because the physical world seems to want us to stay where we are. Every important step forward can feel like a great challenge, because we’re breaking through to more enlightenment—we’re disrupting the status quo.

My late rabbi, Shlomo Carlebach, of very blessed memory, used to point this out to us when he was giving a talk in Shul and the children would suddenly make more noise. He would tell us that what he was about to say must be very important, because the noise was making it harder for him to be heard. He was clear that whenever we’re trying to improve some part of life, obstacles will arise to interrupt and slow down the process.

So when I see Judaism, and especially Israel, especially now, trying to improve life, to discover new healing medications, to develop new technology, to enlighten the souls of people everywhere with the mystical teachings, the resistance of the materialistic view of the world fights back, struggling against our efforts to enhance life on this planet.

However, our teachings can give us the strength to keep moving forward. Please join us for a discussion on what our sages say about overcoming obstacles. We’ll follow this with a short, silent meditation on the Shema.

Date: Saturday, July 12th
Time: 6.45 pm. (Before Mincha)
Location: contact info@myraestelle.com