Spirituality Matters

Over the past month, I have had the opportunity to share in the joys of the b'nai  mitzvot of my daughter's friends.  My friends and I are in awe of the poise and maturity that our kids express with the community.  Today, my daughter read the Torah because just a couple months after her bat mitzvah she wanted to do more.  But something greater happened today.

It wasn't just that my daughter read Torah.  It was the spirit in which she read, the spirit in which my husband and I watched her, the spirit in which her friends showed up to share the morning with her, and the pride and joy she felt as soon as she was finished.  Spirituality matters.

Rabbi Kligfeld also spoke beautifully this morning about the meaning or spirituality of an action.  What is hidden can be revealed and a ritual can have deeper meaning when cloaked in spirituality/religion.  The tasks of a Friday night dinner can feel like a burden, but then prayer, family and the lighting of candles bring a deeper, more holy experience to those around the table.

Through meditation, I have found even the simplest of actions can be more meaningful.  Giving comfort to a friend, sharing a laugh with your partner, or doing a puzzle with your friends and family.  Lately, I have found connection with my friends and family in these simple moments.  My son and I are working on a new puzzle, my daughter and I are reading the same book, and my friends and I are spending some great hours learning together.

Spirituality matters.  I see it in my kids in a way that I strive for through my learning and prayer.  My daughter and her friends have an ease and a confidence in synagogue that I envy.  

Spirituality matters.  The days of the week are the same week after week and what we bring to each day is what makes it unique and special.  Whether it is the daily ritual of work, taking care of the kids or our weekend routine, looking deeper with the lens of spirituality has made a difference in my life.