Shalom v'Shalva | Rabbi Shalva's Blog

We have power!

For those of you who aren’t sure what I’m talking about, Temple Reyim was without power until last night, another casualty of the October snow that knocked down trees and power lines across the state. Since then, we have been scrambling to hold events, programs and classes outside the building, including a well-attended Jewish Meditation class and an equally well-attended Israel lecture held in congregant’s living rooms this past Tuesday night (thanks Anita Lichtblau, Rick Brunell, and Judy & Lee Selwyn).

With the power back on, I’m reminded of our dependence on systems and infrastructures beyond our control. Temple Reyim cannot function without the electric company, the gas company, and the phone company. These support systems usually go unnoticed by us; that is, until something breaks down. When the power goes off, we’re reminded of our interdependence, a reminder that can leave us with a feeling of vulnerability. After all, if one’s very way of life is dependent on the lights turning on, the car starting, and the cell phone tower transmitting, and if these man-made systems prove fallible, then what can we truly depend on in this world?

An ancient Zen poem asks the question: “What is the one pure and clear thing?”  Another way to state this question is: What can we really depend on in this world?  King David gives us one answer to this question. He writes in Psalm 39: “And now, for what do I hope, my God? My longing is for You.” In this world, there is nothing pure and clear, nothing to depend on. Power lines fall down. We fall down. Sanity is finding a connection with our Creator, the Source of power that never stops. How do we do that? One incredible way is through the act of meditation. Through meditation practice, we can develop a sensitivity for God's Presence in every moment. Through meditation, we can connect to the power line that doesn't come down in the storm.

Interested in learning more? Join Rabbi Natan Margalit and myself on Tuesday December 6th at 7:30pm at Temple Reyim for our next session of DISCOVERING A SPIRITUAL PATH: JEWISH MYSTICISM AND MEDITATION.