June 2024 Newsletter

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Rabbi Meeka's Musings Continued I need a break from the news. I need a break from worrying…. Since July of last year, I have been cultivating a hidden passion that’s been lying dormant since my childhood: horseback riding, and horsemanship. For almost a year now I have been taking weekly horseback riding lessons, while working in the stables before and/or after our sessions, alongside my beloved instructor Lynn King. I think that moving to an area populated with stables, farming and farm life has given me the opportunity to fulfil this dream of mine. Horseback riding has been so important in helping me to develop emotional and spiritual connection with these majestic and comforting beings. Being with horses has been essential to my mental health, especially since October 7th. And this summer, I intend to do a lot more of that: go on trail-rides, and volunteer my time caring for horses in the farms where I ride. This is my teacher Lynn, her horse and my riding buddy Masa: Masa and I are having fun! 8 N . E A R L T O N R D . E X T . H A V R E D E G R A C E , M D 2 1 0 7 8 410-939-3170 | ADMIN@TEMPLEADASSHALOM.ORG
Rabbi Meeka's Musings Continued Even in Judaism we acknowledge the often necessary "refreshing break." The Chovot HaLevavot, in Avodat Elokim, 4 (Chovot HaLevavot or The Duties of the Hearts is the primary work of the Jewish scholar Bahya ibn Paquda, c. 11th century CE) said that “…when a person needs a break from his/her learning or work, a hobby is considered necessary and actually - obligatory.” Clearly, Rabbi Bahya considers hobbies as a necessary means, like breathing. Rav Kook (Abraham Isaac Kook 1865 – 1935, the first Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of British Mandatory Palestine; considered one of the fathers of religious Zionism) wrote that “…there's an ideal in hiking: it is a mitzvah to walk in Israel.” Rav Kook encouraged doing yard work, woodwork and really, anything constructive and relaxing (settling the Land, Chatam Sofer, Suka, 35). Rav Kook said that part of the beauty of our tradition is that there is Godliness everywhere: in sculpturing, carpentry, musicking, writing poetry, painting, and any other types of hobbies. As summertime and breaktime approaches, I invite you to reach deep within yourself and ask: “what can I do this summer, that I have been wanting to do, and haven’t given myself the opportunity to do so yet? Perhaps pick up a musical instrument? Painting? Gardening? Pottery? Writing? How about gymnastics? Or scrapbooking? What is that special hidden gem within your yearning soul? Summertime is a fantastic opportunity to take a little break out of our usual activities, and try out something new, or continue to develop a relatively different hobby you’ve started recently. I will be delighted to hear about your adventures: your special vacation, your special activity over the summer; a passion that brings you joy, and out of your established routine! Write to me! rabbi@templeadasshalom.org Happy summer. With love, always, Rabbi Meeka 8 N . E A R L T O N R D . E X T . H A V R E D E G R A C E , M D 2 1 0 7 8 410-939-3170 | ADMIN@TEMPLEADASSHALOM.ORG
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Page 5 and 6: RPC Message Mike Mullis Happy Summe
Page 7 and 8: Upcoming Adult Educational Events S
Page 9 and 10: Safety & Security Pat Wolkow Thankf
Page 12: WE STAND WITH ISRAEL JOIN US IN SOL
Page 21 and 22: April 2024 - Donors MT’filah Sidd

June 2024 Newsletter

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