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Reflections on Psalm 32 - Psalm Two of the Tikkun HaClali
Reflections on Psalm 32 - Psalm Two of the Tikkun HaClali
Discernment is the heart of wisdom.
Absolutism is a snare. As Kenny Rogers put it, “you have to know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em, know when to walk away and know when to run.” Only a fool does the exact same thing at every turn in a card game, and so too in life.
When we are faced with suffering, as we inevitably are, we have many options - resistance, acceptance, rage, self-pity and many more. Our foolish hearts often throw themselves away at the first path to present itself, but that is rarely the path we need.
How can we be discerning about which path to follow?
In Psalm 32, the second of the ten Psalms that make up the Tikkun HaClali, the Psalmist lists those who are happy, one of whom is “those whose rebellion is lifted up.” (אַשְׁרֵי נְשׂוּי-פֶּשַׁע)
What might it mean to “lift up” our rebellion?
Sometimes we are truly rebels without a cause, struggling against the flow of life and against our own true nature for no apparent reason. Other times we wisely rebel against fates that can be overcome - illnesses that can be reversed with medicine, ignorance that can be vanquished with education, poverty that can be overcome with effort.
The Pslamist hears the voice of the Holy One saying “I will grant you success and I will show you the way that you shall go; I will guide you with My Eye.” It is perhaps the wisest prayer to ask for the guidance on the way we should go, to hope for discernment worthy of a Divine Eye. It's a wise heart, not a foolish one, that can lift up its own rebellion against reality and know when to hold on and play your cards, when to fold a hand, when to walk away and when to run.
Wed, May 25 2022
24 Iyyar 5782
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Thursday ,
MayMay 26 , 2022Masa Ma’agal: Spring Trimester Mystics at the Movies with Education Director Rishe Groner (Grades 4*-7)
Thursday, May 26th 4:00p to 5:15p
Learn Jewish spiritual concepts from Hasidism and Kabbalah through exploring popular kids’ movies from Moana to Frozen 2. -
Thursday ,
MayMay 26 , 2022Masa Ma’agal: Rabbi Brent’s Backyard (Grades K-3)
Thursday, May 26th 4:00p to 4:45p
Gather in Rabbi Brent’s backyard for stories, songs and games around the campfire. -
Thursday ,
MayMay 26 , 2022Men's Fire Circle
Thursday, May 26th 8:00p to 10:00p
The Mens' Fires are opportunities for participants to go deeper into the work we do during our Moonlight Hikes. If you are interested in being involved, please come to the next moonlight hike. -
Friday ,
MayMay 27 , 2022Friday Kehillah at BHA
Friday, May 27th 4:00p to 5:30p
Kehillah means “community”, and this is our weekly chance to come together in a social environment at the BHA Outdoor Classroom, featuring Mitzvah Labs, a chance to explore Jewish ritual and holidays following the theme of each Hebrew month. Open to all, suggested donation $36 per family, included with Masa. -
Friday ,
MayMay 27 , 2022The Language of Truth/Sefat at BHA
Friday, May 27th 5:00p to 6:00p
The Sefat Emet (R. Yehudah Aryeh Leib Alter of Gur, 1847-1905) was a Hasidic Rebbe known for his keen insight, spiritual and emotional sensitivity, and accessible Torah. Join Rabbi Brent for a weekly exploration of his Torah commentary and the illumination it can provide us. We will be meeting in person at the BHA.