Watering the Tree Outside the Fence

Rituals For Life

 

Lovingly Getting from Here to There

Everything about Judaism and Her Hebrew Wisdom honors relationships and their transitions and we remember the One of All Blessings at moments of change within our lives. We were originally boundary crossers, the Hebrews, Evrits, and know the importance of acknowledging shifts in energy as we move from place to place.

The Process

Each event is unique as is each individual.  I invest our time in getting to know you whether you are the new parents, grandparents, lovers or mourners. My intention is to build a working collaborative relationship, to listen deeply and to help you get what you want.

I am interested in the people and the context within which each transition is happening. I read the Torah text associated with the time of the ritual and pay attention to the season of both the secular and Hebrew calendar and I research the mystical components of the ritual to include all elements to making this a holy moment.

I am curious and open to what those in transition are wanting. The exploration depends on the needs of the people involved. Sometimes you may leave it up to me and other times you will want to work closely with me. I am resiliently yours.

And I honor Hebrew Wisdom tradition that Shabbat is the holy of holiest days and no other joyous celebration can intrude on Her.  Therefore I choose to perform ketubah or Covenant of Love signing rituals and wedding ceremonies before or after Shabbat.

Rituals I Have Co-created

Simchat Bat, the Joy of A Daughter: This is a relatively new ritual to celebrate the birth of a daughter that has evolved as opposed to the circumcision of a newborn male on the eighth day. Debra Nussbaum Cohen, Celebrating Your New Jewish Daughter, has written a wonderful book that helps parents create rituals that welcome a baby girl into the Covenant.

"The energy, the warmth, and all the little details that you brought to this joyous occasion made it so very memorable. I could tell everyone felt they were a part of something special and that meant so much to us. Your loving and meaningful approach initiated a great start for our daughter's life.
~ Etta Grace and her parents"

Weddings: The intention in this ritual is of creating a community within which the couple makes a public statement of their love and commitment.  Some weddings have been co-officiated.  This is accomplished during working with the couple exploring their hopes and fears and deepest desires.  Anita Diamant has written a book called The New Jewish Wedding that is useful.

"We are so appreciative of the presence of love and holiness you brought to our wedding. Many hearts were touched on that night. Our guests even commented on how connected they felt to the ceremony. Your guidance was immeasurable, and your shared wisdom has made its mark on our relationship. We could have not asked for a more perfect night, a grander beginning, and are forever grateful.
~ Ilana and Russell Spodick"

Death and Mourning: Death is natural and inevitable and it is important for those in mourning to acknowledge the one who has died and passed over as well as the emotions that arise. Hebrew Wisdom and Jewish laws can help the mourners to work through this narrow place. Anne Brenner has written a very useful and comprehensive book called Mourning and Mitzvah.

"You have helped me so much. I feel the hole slowly closing...I have needed spiritual guiding with a Yiddisha Bent and you have completed that for me, Your presence is Bershert, lovingly Bella"

The Beauty and Healing of Interfaith Rituals

In many of the rituals I create the people want a rabbi and Hebrew Wisdom rituals and the people are not both of the Jewish heritage and so they become interfaith rituals or rituals of love. I am so delighted to be called in these moments where people want to honor each tradition from which they came. In these times we begin to see universal truths that cross all boundaries that might have been set. Love is the soother of all separation whether it is in birth, death or marriage.  I set a kavanah, holy intention of the heart, to build community and deepen relationships by welcoming all present in my language, explanations and inspiring joy.

"We just wanted to let you know how much we appreciate everything you did for us leading up to the wedding and during the fabulous wedding weekend. You really helped us to relax during a time of major stress. We both really looked forward to each meeting we shared with you. Your guidance and patience really made the wedding events even more amazing than we could have imagined them to be. We feel so lucky to have found you! Thank you for making our wedding experience so comfortable and memorable.
~ love always, Toni and Mike, bride & groom in interfaith wedding

"I wanted to say a big THANK YOU for all you did to help make the weekend a wonderful experience for everyone!  Everyone loved the service(s) and the beautiful and sincere things that you had to say.  It was a first-time experience for many of the guests to see and partake in a Jewish Wedding Ceremony. ~ Sandy Kaplan, mother of the bride in interfaith wedding"

Celebrating Diversity - Practicing Unconditional Love

I take great pleasure in looking forward to co-creating more wedding rituals between women and women and between men and men.

"It was summer solstice and while relaxing with our dear friend TZiPi we discussed the possibility of getting married. She was very encouraging in her warm and loving way and agreed only if we were going to take it seriously.  Tracey and I said “Yes, we are soul-mates and want to be partners for all of our lives.” TZiPi came up with lovely vows and many beautiful blessings for us and we all felt very deeply connected by the experience. ~ Joan and Tracey, Happily married 13 years later"

Creative Rituals

These are just a few of the many moments of change that can be created.  Rabbi Phyllis Berman and Rabbi Arthur Waskow have written A Time for Every Purpose Under Heaven about the many different kinds of rituals that can be created to acknowledge the passing of time and what gifts She brings.

From birth to death rituals are woven into our life to give attention to these transformational moments. Ask me about how we can work together to water the Tree of Hebrew Wisdom whose core value is love wherever She wants to grow.