Altar Ego -- Rabbi Malka Drucker                                                                                       January 18, 2012

Dear Ones,

Ohalah, the annual rabbinic conference held each year in Boulder, was especially potent with memory this time. Last year many of us came to celebrate our cherished Yafa Chase’s Semichah after maybe twelve years of devoted study. It was also the time of Debbie Friedman’s (z”l) swift fatal illness. Yafa’s mother, Betsy Chase (z”l), was part of the large entourage, and perhaps one of the most joyous. She too is no longer with us. I have profound gratitude for Reb Zalman and his enlightened community in creating a vessel where such reflections become sacred tools to teach us who we really are. Shared grief as well as joy became a bridge to blessing at Ohalah, the tent that consoled Isaac for his mother. Our Hazzan, Cindy Freedman, by the way, was a major pillar in keeping the tent strong with an inspired Torah service on Shabbat morning.

I received my Semichah in Hashpa'ah (Spiritual Direction) that week, and it was a beautiful ceremony that concluded with Reb Zalman's blessing to us to continue the Hashpa'h work he began envisioning in 1942. Talk about just having to live long enough! We were given red feather wings along with our certificates, a good reminder that spirit often comes when we soften into playfulness. If you're interested in joining the monthly Spiritual Direction group that I'll be starting at the end of February, please be in touch with me: 988-1860. The group is limited to five people. It will cost $50 per each two-and-a-half hour monthly session over eight months. I also see people individually.

Here is what I said at graduation: The path to the heart begins by listening. We call Hashpa'ah holy listening because in the silence of the mashpiah (the Director), the mushpah (the directee) speaks differently from any other encounter. It is as if we are speaking to God and God is listening carefully. We listen, we wait, and then Presence emerges perhaps in a long forgotten memory or in a difficult encounter that now has new spaciousness. Our stories have new meaning when they are listened to by one who is seeking God in one's life. One comes empty and hungry for something without words. In the silence of love and acceptance that the Mashpiah offers, the Mushpah receives what he or she cannot give himself or herself. If you’d like to read more about Hashpa’ah, please see my Kol Nidre sermon for 5771.

I look forward to seeing you many times in a year that promises to be rich with opportunities for growing. HaMakom stands at the ready with the watering can to support and nurture growth.

Addendum: Rabbi Malka will start two groups, which allow ten people to participate. If you're interested in participating, come to the first meeting on Thursday, February 23rd at 6 PM at 3 General Sage Road. At this meeting we will choose meeting times, get to experience group Spiritual Direction, and have more information to decide if Spiritual Direction is for you.

Peace and Love,

 See the HaMakom Calendar for a complete listing of upcoming events, location, dates and times.  

 We meet at St. Bede's, 1601 St Francis Drive, unless otherwise noted.          

Mailing Address:  PO BOX 6777     Santa Fe NM 87502      505.992.1905