21 - Celebrate Freedom!!!

With irony in honor of the Day of Independence I imprisoned my free-bird toddlers with 4 protective bed time precautions – backwards diapers, duct tape covering the backwards diaper tabs, backwards onesies and backwards pajamas. Yes, they are asserting their independence by stripping and streaking with bravado and Houdini-like talent. My cousin nicknamed her daughter Pootini during this stage and -oh merde! It really stinks. Less than two years old, each of the three is claiming her body, asserting herself and freely expressing her voice. At the moment, after being in bed for thirty minutes they are chatting in full voice, calling out in their own language. Freedom is fun!

With nightfall begins Israeli Independence Day, a time to celebrate big time. Miracles are possible, hope is alive, dreams aren't always dreamy, to keep them going you need to dig your hands into the dirt. I much prefer to highlight the freedom element of independence, and it fits in this omer period moving into the promised land. A tiny yet robust democracy in the midst of the mostly monarchical mid-East, Israel is a huge symbol of lived possibility and a powerhouse provider of innovation and dignity to the entire world. Forget about the day to day politics and personalities; focus on the mission and vision of the State of Israel.

Lehavdil, a distinction, between a global historical leader and an American tradition, Yom Ha'Atzmaut occurs when the Omer turns 21. Twenty-one is a year to go all out, let go, party without care. Teenagers count the days till that birthday and the symbolic freedom it brings. It marks a the beginning of adult life, exploration and formation of responsibility, career, individual identity. Israel too is but a young-in in the scope of statehood.

Age 21 is when one might start to ask “what am I going to do with my life?” in terms of profession, possibly relationships too. Age 2 is about “how quickly can I take my clothes off and shriek in delight?” Uh oh, well maybe, lehavdil, in a totally different context there's some of that at 21 too. And at age 62, the State of Israel's age, we still ask “what am I going to do with my life – from this point forward?” And at the same time “how can I celebrate my soul-gifts every day with joy?”

Independence provides so many choices that everything is possible, yet its always important to have a container. Wandering through the wilderness our ancestors were miserable, whining, complaining and rebelling. Say what?!? They hurriedly escaped slavery and weren't prepared for a paradigm shift. Years of traveling as a tribe allowed them to develop leadership, build faith and commit to rituals. One of the greatest spiritual teaching tools, Shabbat is about separating a day of rest from the work week with beginning rituals (candle lighting, kiddush, special music and prayers, a special meal) and a closing ritual (havdalah with kiddish, spices and braided candle, more songs). Just one example of Jewish practice that uses boundaries to create sacredness.

Entering a career window as an independent rabbi was a choice to concentrate on bringing my unique vision and talents in creating sanctuary for your soul as a consultancy. I have enjoyed the gift of freedom, choosing my projects, accepting appropriate collaborations, working with self-selected clients. And I maintained certain container connections – my email list, home base town, synagogue, colleagues, source for referrals. Providing my own boundaries, I am able to re-visit my vision, re-define the boundaries, and re-enter a new container when desired.

Pausing to see if our inner aspirations match our outer appearance and environment is a blessing of freedom. Examining the containers of our life with care, curiosity and compassion is crucial to feeling comfortable in our skin and speaking with a clear voice. Openness and the ability to change courses is a blessing of independence too, one that takes awareness and attention. When the omer counting began at the Passover Seder we asked a lot of questions. May the questioning continue as we count our way to revelation.

Today is the 21st day of the Omer, which is 3 weeks of the Omer.


Practice: Hit the pause button. (this teaching given to me by master certified coach Marian Baker). Pause for 10 minutes from your work to do something that feeds your soul. Each week, schedule a one hour pause for yourself too. For today, on this day of the Omer, consider the containers of your life and how well they represent your soul within. During each “pause button” moment, celebrate your independent and free soul!