Thanks, as always, for the wise words. Very much needed right now, by me and so many others. And the awesome photographs. The beauty of nature always heals a troubled soul, if you have eyes to see!
Thanks, Elvi. I’m glad Substack has been making it increasingly easy to share photos and videos. I love these encounters with nature. I sometimes have to stop myself from photographing and just take in the moment.
I am in your current class of Heritage: Civilization of the Jews. Please comment and repost the Zoom series link here. It is so interesting, and brings HOPE and perspective on these difficult times in America.
Thank you so much for your words on this in this post above. I am going to print it so I can read it again in my low moments.
My father was Jewish and my mother an Irish Catholic...so I am a Shiksa (sp ?). I have always been drawn to the serious nature (and contemplation) of my Jewish friends.
Thank you so much for the words...they matter. I am feeling very grateful. You are a hero of mine.
Good morning Rabbi, I'm glad that you posted the link to your lectures. I got very frustrated because I just couldn't get the zoom thing to work. I'm definitely not tech savvy.
Actually, it didn't really matter anyway as my internet service was out for a week and then the hard drive in my computer went out so I only got a new computer and back online a few days ago.
For whatever reason my speakers won't work so I don't have any sound so will have to get some that will work with this new computer. I'm glad that the lecture had captions!
I have a Happy Place; but, until your description of yours, never had a name for it. It is my backyard. No, it is not beautiful, especially right now with all the mud, it is looking at my trees and at the sky and being thankful that I live in the country. It is watching the chickens going about their business and wondering what possessed one little hen to have her chicks in this weather. It is watching the crows clean out all the pecans that are at the top of the trees, on occasion seeing the sparrows chasing a hawk, the two doves who hang around, the ducks and geese migrating, all the leaves falling off the trees, and the olives ripening... I stand almost every day in one spot and just look at everything and think that I am truly blessed.
The weather here has been very dreary and overcast for the last few weeks. It is supposed to start raining in a few days and the weather forecaster said we might see some sunshine. :-)
I am not one to wish my life away. I like the thought that today, every day is the first day of a second life. Even so I really will be glad when 2025 is over. Not just because of the political unrest and injustices; but, because of so many personal issues that have come up one after another.
Then I think of all the issues that you talked about in the first lecture, the plights of the Ukrainians, the fear the immigrants are dealing with and I think they'd probably be happy if all they had to deal with were my troubles.
I appreciate that your "notes" are always helpful :-)
Josh, Michele and I are going through some difficult times. I found your reaction to your struggles inspiring! Barry
I'm glad I could help, Barry. I'm so sorry things have been challenging for you and wish you (and all of us) a much better 2026!
Thank you for this great inspiration. Will pass it on.
Thanks, as always, for the wise words. Very much needed right now, by me and so many others. And the awesome photographs. The beauty of nature always heals a troubled soul, if you have eyes to see!
Thanks, Elvi. I’m glad Substack has been making it increasingly easy to share photos and videos. I love these encounters with nature. I sometimes have to stop myself from photographing and just take in the moment.
Rabbi,
I am in your current class of Heritage: Civilization of the Jews. Please comment and repost the Zoom series link here. It is so interesting, and brings HOPE and perspective on these difficult times in America.
Thank you so much for your words on this in this post above. I am going to print it so I can read it again in my low moments.
My father was Jewish and my mother an Irish Catholic...so I am a Shiksa (sp ?). I have always been drawn to the serious nature (and contemplation) of my Jewish friends.
Thank you so much for the words...they matter. I am feeling very grateful. You are a hero of mine.
Miranda
Thanks so much, Miranda. The three lectures can be accessed at https://www.joshuahammerman.com/2025/11/retrospective-on-heritage-civilization.html
I’m happy to help - please feel free to contact me at any time with questions. Really appreciate your support.
Good morning Rabbi, I'm glad that you posted the link to your lectures. I got very frustrated because I just couldn't get the zoom thing to work. I'm definitely not tech savvy.
Actually, it didn't really matter anyway as my internet service was out for a week and then the hard drive in my computer went out so I only got a new computer and back online a few days ago.
For whatever reason my speakers won't work so I don't have any sound so will have to get some that will work with this new computer. I'm glad that the lecture had captions!
I have a Happy Place; but, until your description of yours, never had a name for it. It is my backyard. No, it is not beautiful, especially right now with all the mud, it is looking at my trees and at the sky and being thankful that I live in the country. It is watching the chickens going about their business and wondering what possessed one little hen to have her chicks in this weather. It is watching the crows clean out all the pecans that are at the top of the trees, on occasion seeing the sparrows chasing a hawk, the two doves who hang around, the ducks and geese migrating, all the leaves falling off the trees, and the olives ripening... I stand almost every day in one spot and just look at everything and think that I am truly blessed.
The weather here has been very dreary and overcast for the last few weeks. It is supposed to start raining in a few days and the weather forecaster said we might see some sunshine. :-)
I am not one to wish my life away. I like the thought that today, every day is the first day of a second life. Even so I really will be glad when 2025 is over. Not just because of the political unrest and injustices; but, because of so many personal issues that have come up one after another.
Then I think of all the issues that you talked about in the first lecture, the plights of the Ukrainians, the fear the immigrants are dealing with and I think they'd probably be happy if all they had to deal with were my troubles.
I appreciate that your "notes" are always helpful :-)
Thanks so much - sorry it took me so long to see this!
This was a beautiful piece that touched me deeply. I’m so glad that you found your happy place. ❤️💙
Your mention of the boulders reminded me of what was found in our Isar river here in Munich. A piece of it is on display in our Ohel Jakob synagogue. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/06/world/europe/munich-synagogue-hitler-germany.html
Wow! It’s like a mini Kotel in Bavaria!
Always inspiring, and so well written. Thanks so much. You make many happier each time you write.
Thanks so much for saying that!