In ancient days, a story tells us that Choni planted some carob seeds and fell asleep for 70 years. When he awoke he saw a woman gathering the fruit of the carob tree. Choni asked her if she was the person who planted the tree. She replied, “I am his... Read the Rest...
From Exodus 15:20, Miriam the prophetess leads the women in joyous song and dance at the edge of the Reed Sea. My husband and I have driven across the country, north to south and east to west many times. On each trip, I’ve marveled at the immense size and beauty... Read the Rest...
Oftentimes on our day to day journey, we need to be reminded that if we tap into the energy of love we become part of the infinite web of life. We become connected to Spirit, to Mystery, to Shechinah, to the Holy One of Blessing. The “Ahava” (Hebrew word for love)... Read the Rest...
I live in Bloomington IN, the home of Indiana University. During winter break most of the students and many professors left town to go home or vacation. Bloomington became quiet and still. I am writing shortly after folks returned when my town is hustling and... Read the Rest...
Dear friends, Please check back in my site in February as there will be some new work pertaining to my feelings after the death of my grandson. If you want more information, please contact me at: jackieolenick@gmail.com. In the meantime check out some work on the Fine... Read the Rest...
Dear Friends, Today is Dr. Martin Luther King Day. I vividly remember the day he was murdered. Shock ravaged an entire scope of people who believed in equality for all people. His famous “I have a dream” speech continues to resonate in my heart. Thinking about, and... Read the Rest...
See this work of art on the website: Mizrah — Spread Over Us Your Canopy of Peace Wise words from my Rebbe, Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, z’l “The awareness that we stand in the presence of the Living God is one of the most important realizations we can install in our... Read the Rest...
See this art work on the website: Shiviti Blue Now that we’ve received Torah, we focus our attention on the Divine Presence that permeates our universe. The practice of calling attention to the Divine Presence has led to the creation of a tradition of art known as... Read the Rest...
See this art work on the website: “Wherever You Go, I Shall Go” As we ready ourselves to receive the Torah during Shavuot, I think about so many of my friends who made the life-altering decision to become members of our tribe. I love them. I respect them... Read the Rest...
See this art work on the website: Love the Stranger in Your Midst Week 7 (May 13-19) Malchut — Leadership. The last week of the Omer is the lead-up to Shavuot. We’re about to receive the Torah. Take a stand. Malchut is about playing it forwards. We each have the... Read the Rest...
See the art work on the website: Rise Up, Rise Up, “Uri, Uri” Week 7 (May 13-19) Malchut — Leadership. The last week of the Omer is the lead-up to Shavuot. We’re about to receive the Torah. Take a stand. Malchut is about playing it forwards. We each have... Read the Rest...
See this work of art. I had a dream a long time ago when my son and his son were visiting Israel. They were in Sefat and bombs were falling… They were frightened. I was frightened and the whole world was frightened. In the dream I saw a woman wrapped in a tallit... Read the Rest...
See this art work on the website: “Generation to Generation” We celebrate our mothers who nourish us, who protect us, who love us unconditionally. Whether they are our birth mothers, our mothers who chose us, our older-sister mothers, our daughter-mothers,... Read the Rest...
View the art work on the website: Eve in the Garden. Week 6: May 6-12 Yesod – Fundamentals Let’s think about basic things. Food waste, for instance – fundamental to the Western world we live in. But so … wasteful. You might consider volunteering at a food kitchen,... Read the Rest...
See this work on the website: Set Me For A Seal Upon Your Heart Week 5 (April 29-May 5) Hod – Humility, simplicity, beauty. This may be a week for trying to live more simply in some way. Bring the outside in; clear out some clutter. Giving some things to Goodwill?... Read the Rest...
Shabbat shalom! One of my most favorite things to do is to cook a yummy meal for Shabbat to share with family and friends. I like to find recipes that are quick and easy to prepare using spices and fresh herbs – and it must be delicious. This fits the bill! I always... Read the Rest...
See this work, Sea Horse for Joseph, on the website. Week 4 (April 22-28) Netzach – Endurance. Keep going! As we think of the endurance theme for week 4 of counting the Omer, now is the time to think about changing your habits: Take a walk through the mountains to a... Read the Rest...
See this work, Lech Lecha — You Shall be a Blessing, on the website. Week 4 (April 22-28) Netzach – Endurance. Keep going! As we think of the endurance theme for week 4 of counting the Omer, now is the time to think about changing your habits: Take a walk through the... Read the Rest...
