On the third day, G‑d put the earth into good shape. At His command the waters of the earth gathered together at certain places. The waters formed seas and oceans, lakes and rivers, so that in other parts, the dry land became visible. At G‑d’s further command, the earth was made to produce all kinds … Continue reading LEARNING TO RIDE THE WAVES
Bringing G-d back to Judaism
HEAVEN AND EARTH
The word of G‑d brought everything into being: heaven and earth, mountains and rivers, and every living thing. In the beginning, G‑d called into existence the heaven and earth. Within six days He shaped a world of order and beauty. On the second day G‑d made the sky, and called it Heaven. My hands are on the … Continue reading HEAVEN AND EARTH
AND THERE WAS LIGHT
The word of G‑d brought everything into being: heaven and earth, mountains and rivers, and every living thing. In the beginning, G‑d called into existence the heaven and earth. Within six days He shaped a world of order and beauty. On the first day, G‑d said, “Let there be Light” — and there was Light. I sit … Continue reading AND THERE WAS LIGHT
TURNING PAIN INTO PROMISE
By Mindy Rubenstein I grew up secular: American first, Jewish by birth. No one in my circle of family or friends talked about G‑d. Life as I knew it was about work, food, intellect. My family includes medical directors, college deans, lawyers, judges, scientists and accountants. But we were in it alone, pushing forward as feeble humans. … Continue reading TURNING PAIN INTO PROMISE
JUDAISM DIDN’T FIX MY LIFE, I NEED TO DO IT
By Mindy Rubenstein I thought I was broken. It was an emotional pain sometimes so deep it consumed me. I thought that when I discovered Torah Judaism 12 years ago, it would fix me. Those thoughts that exist in your mind that tell you that you’re not enough, you don’t have enough; I had believed them. And so … Continue reading JUDAISM DIDN’T FIX MY LIFE, I NEED TO DO IT
I’m here. I need You. Please help.
I grew up secular, American first, Jewish by birth. No one in my circle of family or friends talked about G-d. Life as I knew it was about work, food, intellect. My family includes medical directors, college deans, lawyers, judges, scientists and accountants. But we were in it alone, pushing forward as feeble humans. Or … Continue reading I’m here. I need You. Please help.
Selfless Prayer
By Mindy Rubenstein Although Yaakov (Jacob) was aware of his many merits, he was also able to rise above natural human shortsightedness and realize how infinitely indebted we are all to G-d. With this perspective, he humbly assumed that his merits were insufficient to deserve G-d's protection. So he petitioned G-d to save him and … Continue reading Selfless Prayer
Let’s stop judging and be more loving
By Mindy Rubenstein We had good intentions when we chose to take on a Torah-observant lifestyle. Already married for seven years, my husband and I had two toddlers when we started on this journey together. I wanted to go full-speed ahead, and he was more cautious and calculated. But it’s not about him or me. … Continue reading Let’s stop judging and be more loving
It’s not you, it’s me
By Mindy Rubenstein You may have seen people like me at events or at kiddush after Shabbat services, seeming aloof. Maybe you thought I was shy or even rude. And maybe I was. I'm always the new person, as my baal teshuvah family and I explore Jewish communities -- Palm Harbor, Potomac, Atlanta, Richmond, Norfolk, … Continue reading It’s not you, it’s me
Words from Above
By Mindy Rubenstein It’s quiet. Early morning. My four children are still asleep in their beds. But there’s a sound. Like crickets, maybe, but I think it’s only in my mind. There’s almost a rhythm to it. I didn’t even know it was there until I quieted the thoughts. Paid attention to the thoughts as … Continue reading Words from Above
