Candlelighters
a place for women who cherish the TorahArchive for January, 2011
The Four Guardians
by torahgirl
The “Unpaid Guardian” represents the individual who feels that he was only created to serve G-d. He sees his life and possessions as Divine “property” which has been placed in his trust, and he does not feel that G-d owes him anything in “compensation” for his efforts.
The “Borrower” benefits from what he borrows, and the owner enjoys no benefit. This represents an individual who seeks self-fulfillment alone. He does not feel that he owes anything for the use of life’s blessings, even though he may acknowledge who the ultimate owner is.
The “Renter” resembles the Borrower in that he prioritizes the fulfillment and enhancement of self, but nevertheless, he feels that he ought to earn this privilege by “also” serving his Creator.
The “Paid Guardian” is like the Unpaid Guardian in that he sees the fulfillment of G-d’s will as the ultimate purpose of life. He differs only in that he reserves for himself a small amount of self interest, feeling that he also deserves some independence in return for his work as a guardian of G-d’s property.
-the Gutnick Chumash commentary on the first few verses of Exodus 22, parasha Mishpatim {from Likutei Sichot}
Which one are you – an Unpaid Guardian, a Borrower, a Renter, or a Paid Guardian?
=)
Psalm 84: G-d’s Faithfulness
by battzion12
As I finished packing tonight (can you believe it–all done two days before I leave!), Julianna called to me from her computer, “Hey, you know, at least you were in the Land for 83 days.” 83 days is certainly longer than I’d ever expected to spend here in Israel. What a blessing to be here for that amount of time!
“Wow,” I replied, then realized, “Does that count Tuesday when I leave?”
“Hmm…no it doesn’t,” Julianna answered, “I guess that makes it 84 days.”
84 days. Wow. Just like the 84th Psalm. Let me tell you a story of God’s faithfulness.
Mindful Jewish Living: Chapter 4
by torahgirl
Mindfulness requires that we pay attention, not only to huge earth-shattering events but also to tiny details like the way we respond to situations. Mindfulness depends on seeing clearly – seeing truth – without “vision clouded by habitual responses.” {p.79}
Rabbi Slater questions whether meditation is effective in helping us connect mindfully with others. He points out that meditation is very personal, focused on the person practicing, {usually} in an attempt to withdraw from the world. I agree! I like the idea of reflection instead… perhaps taking time at the end of a day to reflect on what transpired and look at our responses objectively.
torahgirl
eshetkayil
mashiki
Rachel Allison
Hergenreter
cndllighter
knitbyHim
talmeedahofyeshua
battzion12
seeandimprove
