The Shabbat of Approaching: A Journey in Words and Music
On New Year’s Eve, I introduced my book project inspired by the daily psalms, or Shir Shel Yom, and I’m thrilled to continue sharing this journey with you.
When I began this process, my intention was to make the creation of this book accessible to all my subscribers—both free and paid. However, I’ve since realized that Substack doesn’t offer the flexibility I had envisioned. Because this project involves developing a book, I need to limit access to reduce the likelihood of the content being shared publicly. As a result, the only viable option is to restrict this content to paid subscribers.
That said, I want this project to remain accessible to anyone who wishes to participate. If you’d like to be part of this journey and a paid subscription isn’t in your budget, please reach out—I’d be happy to provide you with a complimentary subscription so you can join us.
This week, I’m excited to share the introduction to the book. It sets the stage for how the daily psalms can guide us through the complexities of modern life while staying rooted in Jewish tradition. These psalms have provided me with insights into gratitude, resilience, and hope—lessons that feel especially essential in today’s world.
Your feedback is essential to shaping this project. Let me know what resonates, sparks curiosity, or might benefit from expansion. This book is as much about building community as it is about exploring tradition, and I’m truly honored to have you on this journey with me.
Thank you for your support. Let’s begin.
Introduction: A Journey Through the Days
In Jewish tradition, the week begins with Shabbat—a sacred time of rest, reflection, and renewal. But as we move through the rhythm of modern life, many of us find ourselves living by the clock and calendar of the broader world, where the week begins with Sunday. This book meets you in that space, acknowledging the interplay between two worlds: the sacred rhythms of Judaism and the fast-paced demands of modern life.
“Two Civilizations” is a phrase I first learned when I entered rabbinical school. Coined by Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan in the early 20th century, it describes the dual experience of living simultaneously in two civilizations: American and Jewish. This concept captures the balancing act of being deeply rooted in Jewish tradition while engaging with the secular, globalized world. For many, this means preserving the sanctity of Shabbat and the wisdom of Torah while also navigating the demands of work, school, and daily life. Rather than a burden, this tension offers an opportunity for profound growth and connection.
Sunday often feels like a fresh start—a day to prepare, organize, and set intentions for the days ahead. In this book, Sunday becomes our starting point, aligning with the rhythm of the modern workweek while keeping our sights on Shabbat, the spiritual pinnacle of the Jewish week. Shabbat is both our foundation and our destination, infusing every day with purpose and meaning as it offers the nourishment we need to sustain us through the challenges of daily life.
This book is your guide to living each day with intention, grounded in Jewish tradition. Through reflections on the psalm of the day, themes to anchor your spiritual practice, and practical actions, this book aims to:
Help you start each day with intention.
Provide wisdom for navigating work, relationships, and life’s challenges.
Draw strength and inspiration from the teachings of the psalms.
As we journey through the week, we will explore themes of renewal, justice, trust, gratitude, and rest. These aren’t abstract ideas but practical tools to help you live in harmony with the world around you and within yourself. Whether you’re rushing to a Monday meeting, pausing midweek to reflect, or lighting Shabbat candles, I invite you to let these reflections guide you.
This journey begins with Sunday, not because it is the “start” of creation, but because it offers us an accessible way to bridge the worlds we inhabit. The psalm for Sunday reminds us of the grandeur of creation and invites us to step into the week with awe and purpose. And as the days progress, we will move closer to Shabbat, carrying with us the insights and inspiration each day’s psalm provides.
Take a deep breath. Reflect on the psalm of the day, and let its wisdom carry you through the week with strength, intention, and joy. Let us begin with Sunday, hearts open to possibility and minds ready to receive.
A little Torah for The First Shabbat of 2025: Finding Connection in Vayigash
As we enter the first Shabbat of the 2025, we are gifted a moment to pause, reflect, and set intentions for what lies ahead. This week’s Torah portion, Vayigash, carries a powerful message about connection, reconciliation, and the courage to step forward in vulnerability.
In Vayigash, Judah approaches Joseph, pleading for his youngest brother Benjamin's release. This act of bravery and responsibility moves Joseph to reveal his identity, reuniting the family and beginning a journey of healing. Judah’s willingness to step forward, to face his mistakes and take responsibility, exemplifies the Jewish value of achrayut—responsibility for one another.
As we begin 2025, Vayigash reminds us of the power of human connection and the courage it takes to repair broken relationships. It calls us to consider: Where can we step forward to bridge a gap? How can we take responsibility for the well-being of others and strengthen the bonds within our communities?
This Shabbat, may we embrace the opportunity to reconnect—with ourselves, our loved ones, and the values that guide us. May it be a time of rest, renewal, and the beginning of a year filled with courage and compassion.
One Final Note Before I Close This Newsletter:
I’m thrilled to share that my first album, A Song for a New Year, is now streaming everywhere! The title track is especially fitting as we step into this new year—it’s a song about hope, renewal, and fresh beginnings.
I’d love for you to give it a listen. If you’re on Spotify, liking and following the album—or even your favorite track—goes a long way in supporting me and helps with the algorithm so more people can discover the music.
Thank you for your continued support and for sharing this journey with me!
Shabbat Shalom and Happy New Year!
I am so excited for this new work on the psalms of the day. I attend morning minyan fitfully; one of the biggest challenges to finding kavanna I find is the daily psalm. Now this may have to do with the English translation, but I’m eager to learn how you make meaning from some of the more challenging days. (Looking at you, Wednesday)