Even though this recent war in Israel has been fought on a physical level, when we look at it from another, higher perspective, it can become easier to see that we are also being challenged on a spiritual level. When we understand from the Torah that our world is actually functioning on these two different levels at the same time, we can expand our ability to overcome such challenges.

On the physical level, we obviously have to protect ourselves from physical harm. And on the spiritual level, when we are ready to recognize the need for our alignment with the creative process of the universe—the oneness we call God—we will be able to notice a new, clearer view of life that can carry us through adversity in ways that might seem miraculous.

It’s up to each of us to discover this spiritual wisdom for ourselves, because the Kabbalah teaches that the way we see ourselves affects the way we will experience life. The solution is right inside each one of us. The source of our strength can be found within, whenever we take the time to listen to our own inner truth. The more we want the world to heal, the more commitment we need to make to this inner healing. The most amazingly real and effective peace process begins from a place within our own soul.

Please join us in The Listening Room as we discuss these teachings from our sages, and then we’ll follow with a short, silent meditation on the Shema.

Date: Saturday, August 30th
Time: 5.45 pm
Location: info@myraestelle.com

I’ve been noticing a lot of complaints about Judaism lately, and it appears that there are many people who don’t seem to understand what Judaism stands for. Please take a moment here to see if any of this short explanation relates to anything that you stand for.

Judaism is really about a covenant. It’s an agreement—a binding commitment that goes much deeper than any signature on a contract. Our ancestors, the ancestors of the people who are presently part of the Jewish community, made an agreement with the universe that we would follow certain guidelines, to ensure that we would be able to live in peace with each other. These guidelines, which have since been taken on by many other societies, can be found in the Hebrew Bible, the Christian Bible, and also in the Koran.

This covenant requires a commitment to show respect for the greater wisdom of the universe, and also for all that this universe has created. When we acknowledge the oneness of the entire universe, we’ll be able to appreciate that all of life on earth is interconnected through the unified energy on our planet. When we set aside one day, every week, as a Sabbath—a rest day—then we can reflect on this understanding.
Our way of living has to be such that we must honor our parents, and agree not to commit murder, commit adultery, steal, lie, or even feel jealous of our neighbor’s possessions.

When we live in this respectful way, Judaism teaches us that we can create a peaceful community. When we live in this respectful way, we can each experience the love and protection it will provide. When we act with compassion for the needs of others, and gratitude for what has already been given to us, we create the foundation to bless all of life, including our own.
Does this relate to anything you stand for?