Even though the ball dropped last week and it’s now 2025, I remain the same woman searching for my highest self while making an honest attempt to inspire and stand up for what I believe in.
Upon entering this new season, I feel a mix of emotions. Saddened by loss and for certain things that have yet to change. Happy for the joys of my imaginative and real world—where hearts melt because love connects us-—and the sun shines revealing the wonder of a species drawn to beach sunsets and flowing water.
In my moments of reflection, a familiar question arises: What is within our control?
- Breath awareness, for when we elongate the inhale and exhale from our nostrils, instead of heavy chest breathing from our mouths, we slow down our pace.
- Focussing on what we aspire to or appreciate without wavering can help us dismantle our fuses.
- Charging ourselves with positive people, places, and meditative moments encourages us to finish projects while embarking on new ones for personal development and spirited growth.
So, in staying true to my nature as I move forward this year, I revisit one of the more challenging topics: antisemitism.
I recognize my resistance in completing the task I set out for myself, partly because delving into history isn’t my usual lane, nor do I want to offend or feel qualified.
Yet I know some of you are waiting—-perhaps that’s you —- for part two.
{Read more here}
In this piece, I focus on my connection to Judaism with the intent of sharing my heart. I have rendered my original writings for the times that continue to change—-in hopes of stimulating a peaceful conversation in you—-opening what feels like a can of worms.
Inching towards sharing my perspective on the defamation quandary, I continue to learn from others while developing an even stronger connection to my heritage.
May my introspect serve as an informative reminder of faith, and enduring hope.
Recently, many Jewish people including myself celebrated Hanukkah, lighting candles to honor the miracle of oil burning for eight days instead of just one in the Temple that in different times, many people have wanted to destroy or alter our faith.
No matter what is going on in your mind, doing what it takes to be kind is a part of the radiant woman’s shine.
One of the best presents we can give to others is our attentive presence.
How to draw a line on policies and politics when love for humanity knows no borders?
Did you know the Nazis stole the swastika, a native symbol from Hindu culture representing the sun, prosperity, and good luck? Its connective connotation in mythology, early carvings, and scripture in the Eastern world symbolizes good fortune in almost every culture rooted for thousands of years. Learning of this only last year is one of the many reasons that spurred me to write on antisemitism while investigating the symbol’s reversed meaning. Naziism reinterpreted and flipped the lines to invoke evil hatred. Misappropriating history seems like a characteristic of fascist regimes. The emblem always made me shiver.
By October 8th, 2023 after an unprecedented attack on innocent Israeli civilians, a revolt perpetuating further wickedness against the Jewish people spread throughout the U.S., Middle East, and Europe. Why are there distant shadows and victims of terror and tragedy when there is a beloved land, home to many communities, religions, and people who have a love for life?
Since the initial onslaught’s inception with its hostile hostage brutality, war in the region continues to escalate. The uprising stems from thousands of years of blatant hate. There is a belligerent division based on religion. After being uprooted and displaced from the Holocaust which took the lives of 6 million innocent Jews, many were exiled and fled from eastern Europe. Across the ages and from the beginning, the Jewish people have found solace along with a sense of belonging once returning to their homeland, Israel.
The ancient Torah scrolls of biblical times mention the land of Israel a significant amount of times.
This spate of Jew hatred and defamation has no place here in America or anywhere though it has infiltrated streets, communities, and college campuses with protests of disgust. The quick uptake throughout the world showed that many people had stifled their true colors of hatred with regressions of bigotry. With the current wave of antisemitism, I, like many of my peers, feel fractured by my Jewish faith—- vulnerable, yet strong.
My body and mind feel torn. A piece of my heart is broken for all the lives lost where boundaries are crossed, governments want to take over territories, and hostile people incite war, affecting a variety of religious sects and communities across the globe. One friend shared she felt violated for the first time in her life from the amplification of antisemitism.
I however have often wondered (and perhaps from my own insecurity) why someone might not like me or my children. “Was it because we are Jewish?”
Throughout my life, whether reading from the Torah, observing or celebrating holidays or learning about the Jewish people’s plight in history, I became aware that many people never liked us throughout history.
For that reason along with others, we as a people have always worked hard to prove ourselves, sometimes hiding or converting to other religions. Others come back to find a reframe or a way to practice an ancient religion, Judaism, in different denominations by living in a meaningful way—by the Ten Commandments, contributing to the arts, technology, and healthcare with respect for all beings.
As a Jewish American, I have felt the brunt of being in a minority group. Yet, this has also given me sensitivity and curiosity about who I am and how to learn to honor other cultural and religious practices.
Segregation divides and conquers to gain power.
As a child, teen, and young adult, I felt judged. Was I a good enough rule follower, student, daughter, athlete, or dancer? Why didn’t I celebrate the more popular Christmas holiday like most of my classmates and teachers? From storekeepers to my neighbors and peers, I have wanted to fit in with them but sometimes felt scrutinized. One huge discrepancy that gave me the reason for feeling different was being Jewish.
From childhood to womanhood, the wishing within me to be accepted has given me sensitivity to others’ suffering. On some days, it has been a blessing, and on others a burdensome unraveling of who I am and what I believe in as the weight of the world rages for a repressed state.
How might the conception that on some days has left me slumped over my keyboard feeling helpless, help others churn their frustrations or determination to uplift others, steer me into the greater good with surges of restored faith in human beings’s potential for greatness.
Many people are shunned by others for their differences based on race, gender, and religion.
As we continue this journey of life together, may we embrace understanding, empathy, and connections.
I look forward to sharing more and hearing your thoughts.
What is the purpose of my sharing? Please bring our hostages home. With the magnitude of people affected by war, let there be compassion and resolution— Love your neighbor.
In winter’s darkness, may the miracles of reflective light inspire us to be essential contributors to our families, communities, and the world.
Let us be heart-centered, conscious, and self-aware.
Wishing you a Happy New Year
xoxox
My gift to you: Watch my Shine Meditation Video here!
