Yesterday, we learned a bit about the letter samech. Today, I want to share the meaning of the word kislev. In Hebrew, Kislev is a compound word: kis means “pocket” and lev means “heart.” When they are put together, you get a little bit of poetry: “pocket of the heart.” As this month begins, I invite you to consider what your “heart pocket” is holding and what it has the potential to hold. Sheryl Shapiro reflects on this idea in her poem, "The Blessing of Kislev."Simple treasuresnuzzled into felted foldswarm in the ample pocketembroideredin deepening spiralsstitching stitchingluminous threads the tiny songbirdin my heartalightshumming hummingsafe freeAs we look ahead to the celebration of Hanukkah, the natural cycle of our days will decrease in light while our homes will increase in the light of Hanukkah candles. In preparation for the amplification of light, we must open space to let the light in. Perhaps that is what the “heart pocket” is for.The light [...]

I am always amazed by the different ways that Jewish tradition, and particularly living in Jewish time, offers me (us!) the insight that we need to enrich our daily lives – and that we may struggle to find elsewhere. Kislev, the new month that began yesterday, is symbolized by the Hebrew letter ס, samech. The physical shape of the samech is a circle, representing completeness. Further, the word samech means “to support” or “lean on.” In the month of Kislev, this dual symbolism can inspire us to find the places and people on whom we can lean on as we navigate the ongoing circle of our lives. At the same time, we can reflect and consider who in our lives needs our support, and what we can offer. The Hebrew root embedded in the name of the month Kislev, כ.ס.ל., can be translated as “hope” or “confidence.” When we find ourselves feeling caught in the [...]