So-

For the past few years I have been trying to figure out the best way to have meaningful conversations about things that matter with groups of likeminded women. I picture sharing techniques of self growth, good book/sefarim recommendations, and sources of ideas for every day ruchnius challenges instead of recipes, cleaning hacks and child raising tips. Not that there’s anything wrong with the latter, but as I get older and phase out of that intense part of my life, I am becoming borderline obsessed with finding real time ways to stay focused on my avodas Hashem without becoming weird. (Because rule number one is always don’t be weird). 

Please don’t misunderstand me. I am still fully engaged in the world of shopping and going for coffee and  even making dinners, though my kids may tell you otherwise about the dinner part. But with more time to learn from sefarim (only the really easy ones though, seminary was a long time ago and I wasn’t so skilled then either), listen to classes and reflect on my priorities, I am craving a place where we can cut the small talk and focus on creating more meaning and connection in our daily lives. Because let’s face it, there’s not much that matters more.

I once heard Sara Yehudit Schneider speaking about what made Avraham Avinu unique. She pointed out that even though most people say He was the first believer, that’s not actually accurate. There was Malkitzedek before him, as well as Yeshivas Shem v’Aver (well that looks horrible in English). So what was Avraham’s big chiddush here?

Rav Tzaddok Hakohen says that before Avraham Avinu there was belief in Hashem, but it was all theoretical. Avraham was the one who took the concepts and turned them into applied knowledge. (Think of the way we always learned of Avraham and Sara getting their guests to make a brocha- applied emunah right there). Through Avraham, we got the ability to live Hashem’s life for us in a tangible, real way- which became a defining feature of a Jew. They took a belief and made it into a life.

How do we take the the things we learn and bring them into our kitchen?  Thinking of myself as the kohein in my own mikdash me’at never really did anything for me. It may be a true comparison, but my very practical self needs something more user-friendly. 

So- welcome to my newsletter. It’s going to be a little of this and a little of that, but the thread will always be connecting our daily lives with eternity. 

Let’s start a conversation. 

-Mrs. Aliza Feder