Shalom friends,
Sivan is here, and this is the month when the Jewish people receive the Torah. I believe that one of the reasons why we celebrate receiving the Torah every year is because every year we receive it differently.

The Torah is timeless, and it is a document that speaks to each soul differently. As one midrash/story says, "each individual heard revelation differently, according to their capacity..."

Every day that goes by we have new experiences that impact who we are and the way we relate to our Judaism. The holiday of Shavuot is a time to reflect upon and renew our relationship with Torah and with the Divine.

I like thinking about our relationship to Torah compared to our intimate relationships. As we know, in a partnership people change. Imagine being in partnership for 5,10 or 20 years! As the years roll on, there will certainly be transformation on both ends. In these tides of change, there is the potential to grow distant or to grow even closer. So too in our relationship with the Torah.

As we change, we may find it difficult to continue to be in relationship with her. Or perhaps our change allows opportunity for new connections and ways of being intimate with one another. May we feel free to continue to evolve into our most authentic selves while creating space and opening our hearts to G!d and to Torah.

With Love,
Ariela

Milky Oats | Avena sativa

Milky oats is one of the best nerve tonics out there. Over time, she can restore the integrity of a nervous system that is burned out and hyperactive. She is is quite helpful helpful where there is mental and physical exhaustion along with inability to focus, heart palpitations, loss of libido, irritability and potential addiction issues. She is also a wonderful remedy for any case of great grief from loss. We could all use a little of this medicine right now as we have been in isolation for 3 months and may be experiencing all sorts of mental/physical unrest: losses, new anxieties/fears etc. We must continue to take care of ourselves and each other.

What are ways you have been caring for yourself during this difficult time?

Licorice | Glycyrrhiza glabra

Licorice is sweet and moistening. She is soothing and healing for the lungs and the respiratory tract, and she is also restorative for the adrenals and helps the liver to clear excessive cortisol, the primary “stress hormone.” Receiving the Torah can be stressful, especially for folks who are perfectionists. When I try to be perfect, I get exhausted. When I aim to do everything, I end up achieving nothing. Although we are receiving the Torah and all of her wisdom, we are not commanded to be perfect. Yes, we should learn and continue to improve ourselves, but every person has their own rhythm, time and personal relationship with G!d. Licorice provides us with sweetness (physically and mentally) when we are overworked and our drive to be perfect dries us out.

What sweetens up your life?

Tulsi | Ocimum sanctum

Tulsi (holy basil) is known to treat stomach spasms, kidney conditions, promote an increase in blood circulation and aid in the treatment of snake and insect bites. Due to her affinity for the brain and her uplifting and calming properties, holy basil is also frequently used to help alleviate the symptoms of depression and anxiety. When drank as a tea or taken as a tincture, it leaves you with a sense of calm and peace. Perhaps that is why in the Jewish tradition basil leaves, worn individually or as a small garland, are said to add strength during fasting periods. On Shavuot, we read the Ten Commandments. I don’t know about you but when those 10 are read, I get all existential and nervous. My heart starts to beat a little faster and I begin to wonder about the true meaning of each one. It is at this moment when a nice cup of Tulsi can bring me back to earth, calm me and prepare for me a grounded conversation.

What moments in your life make you feel ungrounded and what do you do to re-ground?

Linden | Tilia americana

As a relaxing nervine, linden has been used to assist folks struggling with insomnia, nervous and muscle tension, anxiety, depression, hyperactivity, digestive issues originating from emotional unrest. Her calming nervine, antispasmodic, and helpful circulatory properties are used to help to ease spasms and cramps that contribute to headaches, tight muscles, and migraines as well as menstrual cramps. As Robin Rose Bennet says, “ Linden opens the emotional and spiritual heart even as it improves cardiovascular circulation… linden has a divinely inspired way of opening you to the bliss of your true multidimensional nature – the larger reality we’re all part of. “ This month is when we go from being individual Jews to a Jewish people. “True faith of the whole people ‎did not commence until the first day of the month of Sivan, when ‎for the first time, the Torah describes the Jewish people as united, ‎i.e. ‎ויחן ישראל ‏‎, “Israel encamped,” (singular mode) as opposed to ‎all previous encampments when the Torah always writes: ‎ויחנו ‏ישראל‎, Israel encamped, (plural mode).”

What opens you up to feel a part of community? What makes you feel expansive?