Hello friends, dear ones, loved ones.

I will be leaving for New Mexico on Friday to begin a two year journey of learning, holy service, and immersion in sacred sound.  This learning, with Reb Shefa, will go on concurrently with my studies and writing as I hope to finish the D.Min writing and practica. My prayer is that the music and learning of Kol Zimra will be nurturing and invigorating. My prayer is that, somehow, for the benefit the highest good, even if I can't see it and in spite of all my bumbling, that I might merit blessing. My prayer is that whatever obstacles may present now, or in the future, of whatever origin, that I might merit the strength to perservere and be given ways to be in holy service even in adversity and even when I don't know it. May I be granted the grace to be a beginner, to make a fool of myself, to be open and loving and supportive to and for my classmates and to be a student worthy of the generosity of my teachers. I pray also for blessing and support for Lori (who is the probably among the most patient women in America), who makes this investment with me on a daily basis. 

We have faced challenges this year with health issues in our house and in our family and painful loss.  Please hold us both up in prayer for strength and peace, particularly during this week of transition. We are both feeling exhausted and in need of receiving nurturance and support. Our brave and sweet Jessica Jane has incurable bone cancer. We will say goodbye to her on Thursday, and this is hard. A mourning dove has been sitting on our house, calling, all week. The dove is a perfect guide for Jess, a perfect witness, and the right symbol and sound to see and hear as a backdrop to our prayers for Jess' comfort and peace. 

In an email my classmates and I received yesterday, Reb Shefa described the beginning of this learning and journey into holy service thusly: "This journey. . .depends on your ability to dedicate what you learn to expanding and deepening your holy service, whether you articulate that service to your lover, family, community, or planet. The energy moves through us because we dedicate ourelves as vehicles, conduits, channels for the great love. . .and then we work at becoming clear, strong, skillful, useful, compassionate and wise channels."    

This is my intention:

Hineni, oseh et atsma Merkava l'Shechina.  Here I am transforming myself into a chariot for the Divine Presence.

May this be G-d's will.