what does it mean to forgive someone who has harmed us?

https://open.substack.com/pub/rabbisandra/p/forgiveness-a-journey-not-a-destination

How often do we pause to inquire: How well am I taking care of myself?
https://rabbisandra.substack.com/p/how-well-am-i-taking-care-of-myself

"Elul: A Month of Preparation and Renewal" on Post at https://post.news/@/rabbisandra/2U4IpjTK9uDPMlQhVMaSLRhmDnD

Shavua tov
May this new week be filled with hope, joy, and abundance. May your path be guided by wisdom and your heart be filled with love. May you find strength in times of challenge and comfort in times of need. May you be surrounded by those who lift you up and support you. May your days be filled with blessings and your nights with peaceful rest. May you be a blessing to others and may you be blessed in all that you do.

Racism, Antisemitism, and the Intersectionality of Oppression https://open.substack.com/pub/rabbisandra/p/racism-antisemitism-and-the-intersectionality

There shall be no needy among you, but if there is...
https://open.substack.com/pub/rabbisandra/p/the-paradox-of-poverty-in-the-torah

Jewish law advocates praying three times a day, amounting to a daily recitation of 100 Berachot, or blessings. This may seem like an immense act of devotion, especially for those leading busy, fast-paced lives. Transitioning from occasional prayer — perhaps only within the synagogue — to a regimen of 100 daily blessings might appear daunting. So how might we simplify this process? By starting small. By choosing a single prayer and integrating it into our daily routine. https://open.substack.com/pub/rabbisandra/p/gratitude-as-a-spiritual-practice

My blackness precedes me, and people see my blackness before they get to know me. And my Jewishness can be perceived as threatening in our Christian-dominated society. Additionally, while some in the Jewish community readily celebrate my blackness, they often overlook or underestimate my Jewish identity. https://open.substack.com/pub/rabbisandra/p/blessings-of-the-body-and-soul-a

https://rabbisandra.substack.com/p/torah-opening-our-hearts-to-love

Whitewashing is a historical deception that downplays the realities of violence and oppression faced by Black people throughout our history and perpetuates a false narrative that hinders progress in our society. https://open.substack.com/pub/rabbisandra/p/unveiling-the-truth-preserving-black

This week's Torah portion, Va'etchanan, commences with Moses beseeching God, yearning to cross over and see the Promised Land beyond the Jordan (Deut. 3:23, 25). Although upset about God's decree that he wouldn't personally enter the Promised Land, Moses found some solace in God's allowance for him to climb Mount Pisgah, look around to every side, and drink in the view of the land he could not enter (Deut. 3:27).

https://open.substack.com/pub/rabbisandra/p/moses-and-dr-king-two-leaders-on

How ever you mark this holiday of Tisha B'Av, remember it's not just a commemoration of the past, but a moment to reflect on our present. Our history holds lessons of resilience and strength, and this day of reflection offers us an opportunity to put these lessons into action. May your day be meaningful and inspire you towards making a positive impact in your community and the world at large.

I knew little about my mother's childhood & very little about her daily life. My mother’s need for privacy kept many at a distance, including her children. All the good parts of me have come from the lessons I’ve learned from her. And I dedicate this video and song to her and what she taught me. She died on Tisha B'Av the saddest day of the Jewish calendar. Sometimes I like to think it was her way of making sure I would always remember the Jewish date of her death.
https://youtu.be/taed2yBEmrE

As Tisha B'Av begins tonight, we're reminded of the resilience of our people in the face of adversity. As we commemorate the Temples' destruction, let's also remember that from the fragments of the past, we build our future. #TishaBAv #JewishResilience #BuildingFromLoss

At the heart of Jewish teachings lies Rachamim, which goes beyond mere sympathy. Compassion, entails the ability to empathize with the feelings and experiences of others. Rachamim reminds us of the interconnectedness of humanity, urging us to break down the barriers that separate us from others. By cultivating compassion, we open ourselves to the struggles and suffering of marginalized communities, transcending the ignorance that often perpetuates racism.
https://open.substack.com/pub/rabbisandra/p/fighting-racism-with-jewish-values

Of course this is true. Black students have always made up a small number of students at these schools. But to hear some white people tell it Black people are some how keeping white people folks out. https://www.npr.org/sections/money/2023/07/24/1189443223/affirmative-action-for-rich-kids-its-more-than-just-legacy-admissions

The dignity of creation. Support Transpeople
https://youtube.com/shorts/B-suEDDWNzs?feature=share

This week: May you be inspired to appreciate the world around you and to make positive changes in your community. May gratitude fill your heart as you recognize your ability to contribute to a better world, and may this recognition bring joy and fulfillment to your days. Shavua Tov – let’s make it a good week.

This message is relevant to us today as well. We often find ourselves becoming comfortable in our current situation, whether it is our job, relationships, or spiritual practice. We may become complacent and resist the idea of change. However, the Torah reminds us that we must not become stagnant. We must be willing to embrace change and step outside of our comfort zones if we want to grow and evolve. https://rabbisandra.substack.com/p/title-embracing-change-moving-beyond

Today's Rant: Breaking the Carousel of Fear and Misunderstanding
The discrimination and fear society directs toward various groups can be likened to a never-ending carousel, spinning perpetually in a cycle of fear and misunderstanding. https://rabbisandra.substack.com/p/todays-rant-breaking-the-carousel