Welcome to Sh’ma Koleinu – Hear our voices. The voices are those of Congregation B’nai Israel, sharing thoughts, inspirational texts, and spiritual practices that can help guide us toward more conscious, healthy, and balanced living. Our blog begins on 1 Elul 5769, the Jewish month leading up to Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. It is traditionally a time for introspection and preparation; a time to reflect on the lives we have lived this past year, and an opportunity to rebalance our lives, recharge our souls, and redress behaviors or relationships with others where we have missed the mark and wish to bring healing to those parts of our lives.
Sh’ma Koleinu is a prayer that is found toward the end of the daily Amidah. It both follows a list of set prayers that seek the inspiration and support of God in making our world a more balanced, complete and peaceful place to live, and is an invitation for each of us to find our voice and let our souls pour forth their deepest desires for a life that is integrated and balanced, helping us to feel whole.
In this blog you will find postings from clergy, educators, and congregants of B’nai Israel, as well as inspiration gathered from other places that have inspired us. All are welcome to participate in reflection on the posted pieces via the comments section. If you would like to share a thought, text, advice or practice that has inspired you, please submit to
Rabbi Rachel Gurevitz