The Jewish Living Lab

We have a whole set of great podcasts to get you to the seder. Remix Judaism, Hyphen and Verses all have great new episodes for Passover (Verses even has three!). Listen here: https://jewishlivinglab.com/podcasts/

Dear Friends,

We have all been receiving updates from organizations both local and national regarding the unprecedented times we are in. One of the things that is very heartening is the number of opportunities that have sprung up to fill our time, and enrich our lives, while we are at home.

With regards to Jewish prayer and study, the rabbis recognized an inherent tension between regular routine (Kevah) and depth of focus (Kavanah). Kevah refers to regularity of action, such as the obligation of daily prayer or making blessings on food, regardless of the depth of devotion (or lack thereof) we might have during the recitation of these prayers and blessings. Kavanah refers to the intention or focus we cultivate while doing an action or reciting a prayer. These two poles are often at odds with each other. Routine can quickly turn to rote, and can make religious actions dull and uninspiring. We may feel that prayer or study should be reserved for moments when we have the mental and emotional capacity to bring our fullest focus to the words. On the other hand, if we wait for inspiration to strike, we may lose the daily routine of these behaviors.

Both Kevah (routine) and Kavanah (focus) are necessary, and support each other. Kevah, the daily commitment to doing something even when you don’t feel perfectly focused on it, provides the space for Kavanah to occur. But Kevah, without the possibility of Kavanah, is an empty vessel. It is an action without inspiration.

Many of us suddenly have more time on our hands. We have no commute. We cannot attend our usual weekly hockey game, bridge night or networking cocktail. Despite the unfortunate circumstances of the world, we have all been given a gift. This is the gift of presence, of being in the here and now. Like never before, this is our chance to take something and make it our Kevah, a new regular commitment.

If you’ve always wanted to study something Jewish, but have never had the time, or if you always thought you would benefit from daily prayer or meditation, but could not manage even five minutes to wolf down breakfast before driving the kids to school, then maybe this is your chance. Find something to do regularly and commit to stick to it at least through these times.

At the Jewish Learning Lab, we are here to help. We will be adding web-based learning on Facebook and sending out links to other learning that can be accessed from home. We would like to hear from you as to what resources would be most useful for you, and which topics you want to learn about. Please leave a comment below and we will take these suggestions into account over the next days, as we create opportunities for regular learning with us.

With wishes of health and safety
Rabbi Avi Finegold