When our plane landed in Eretz Yisrael five months ago, it was my first time ever being physically in this land. But it was a homecoming for my soul. My grandparents, Adeline and William, visited here a few decades ago. Each week I use the green-glass Shabbat candlesticks they bought in Jerusalem, along with the silver … Continue reading Our Jewish Mission
Fake it till you make it. It’s now Adar on the Jewish calendar, which our sages say is a month inherently infused with increased joy. But each year at this time, I reflect on why I don’t necessarily feel a spike of simcha. Now that we have made Aliyah, evidence of Adar and the upcoming … Continue reading The Power of a Smile
I am so grateful to be growing my business from here in the Holy Land. Five months ago I made Aliyah with my family. It’s been a monumental adventure—setting up our home, getting our children in the right schools, learning Hebrew, and exploring this amazing land. During my 25 years as an independent Jewish journalist, … Continue reading Continuing My Mission in the Holy Land
It is the new Jewish month of Shevat, and the sun is setting here in Eretz Yisrael as my son modge-podges a Star Wars puzzle he put together over Shabbat. I can smell glue fumes so I open the windows. Now I can hear birds singing quietly in the trees surrounding my house. And it’s … Continue reading Inner darkness leads to greater light on the other side
I was about to delete the vulnerable post I shared last week. Then a message came to my inbox: Hi Mindy,Thank you for posting about your feelings and your conversation with Hashem. I am like wow! That's exactly what I needed to hear and that so much resonates with my own thoughts today. Your words … Continue reading Giving Myself Approval and Acceptance
By Mindy Rubenstein 14,560 I calculated approximately how many hours I’ve spent actively doing healing and growth work during my adult life -- in essence, trying to feel happier, to ease anxiety, depression, and fix old wounds. Though I earned a graduate degree and spent two decades in my field trying to rely on my … Continue reading Good (G-d) Vibes Only
We won today’s battle with the yetzar hara, the evil inclination. Those insidious thoughts that told me I’m lacking — that others are better, smarter, more motivated and successful — were weighing me down. Then I read a quote from psalms — “Look to the Lord: be strong and courageous,” it said. But the words … Continue reading Strong and Courageous: ‘We’ won today’s battle with the Yetzar Hara
I surrender.My family and I moved to the Jewish community of Surfside last month, right before our son left for high school in Israel and I spent the afternoon weeping in the airport, along with the other moms.Then came the high holidays, an intense time on the Jewish calendar that includes the New Year, Day … Continue reading practicing the art of surrender and gratitude in the jewish new year
And the children of Israel did according to Moses' order, and they borrowed from the Egyptians silver objects, golden objects, and garments. -Exodus 12:29-51 (Parsha Bo) להוּבְנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֥ל עָשׂ֖וּ כִּדְבַ֣ר משֶׁ֑ה וַיִּשְׁאֲלוּ֙ מִמִּצְרַ֔יִם כְּלֵי־כֶ֛סֶף וּכְלֵ֥י זָהָ֖ב וּשְׂמָלֹֽת By bringing tambourines into the dessert as they fled Egypt, the women showed their unwavering faith and trust in … Continue reading Surrender and Celebrate!
The Lord said to Moses, "See! I have made you a lord over Pharaoh." אוַיֹּ֤אמֶר יְהֹוָה֙ אֶל־משֶׁ֔ה רְאֵ֛ה נְתַתִּ֥יךָ אֱלֹהִ֖ים לְפַרְעֹ֑ה וְאַֽהֲרֹ֥ן אָחִ֖יךָ יִֽהְיֶ֥ה נְבִיאֶֽךָ: There are times when our animal drive (our inner Pharoah) seems strong, and the best way to overcome it is to use our power to confidently demand that it go. The … Continue reading Letting Go
Morasha 