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SPIRITUAL PATH
By LINDA M. LINONIS
youngstown
In the January View from the Pulpit column published in Congregation Rodef Sholom’s monthly newsletter, Rabbi Franklin W. Muller shared insight into the first of four retreats he will attend through the Institute for Jewish Spirituality.
The rabbi wrote that by deepening one’s own spiritual life, the connection between “the ‘inner’ work of spiritual growth and the ‘outer’ work of creating more justice and compassion in the world” evolves from the abstract to substance. Rabbi Muller will delve into his retreat experience in his sermon during a Shabbat service at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 4.
Earlier this month, Rabbi Muller experienced “intense spirituality” at the first five-day retreat at the American Jewish University in Simi Valley, Calif., where winter sessions take place. He also will attend summer sessions at Trinity Conference Center, West Cornwall, Conn. The retreats, which take place over a about 18 months, involve about 40 rabbis.
Rabbi Muller said he applied to the program for personal and professional reasons. “For myself, it’s trying to move to the next level of spirituality,” he said.
As the religious leader of the synagogue, the rabbi said “it’s future oriented” because the retreats will teach methods that he can share with his congregants to help them on their spiritual journies and possibly lead to changes in worship.
When he was ordained in 1983, the rabbi said he was focused on the religious aspect. But, he came to realize day-to-day responsibilities at a synagogue were important on a practical level. Devoting appropriate time to both is a challenge and stressor, he said. He added he can already see how the retreats will help him spiritually and practically.
The first retreat provided an overview; those following will focus on prayer and devotions, text for leaders relating to the source of power and limits and identifying the essentials to sustaining a life of spiritual practice. The rabbi commented the retreats offer ways to rejuvenate and re-educate participants about their relationship with God.
Mindfulness meditation is one of the practices, Rabbi Muller said, adding it relates to the mystical tradition that goes back 2,000 years. “It’s about seeing God in the everyday things ... being aware of God’s power in everything we do,” he said. “It’s focusing on the beauty of being in the moment.”
Institute literature about meditation as a mindfulness practice notes that it cultivates a “deeper connection to the lived, embodied experience.” Those who practice this meditation are more aware of everything and including their surroundings. This meditation will lead to the revelation of the light inside, that is, “the reflected light of the One.”
“Meditation isn’t as easy as you might think,” Rabbi Muller said. He said the group had walking meditations, focusing on breathing and taking each step.
Rabbi Muller cited Hasidic texts of the late 18th and early 19th centuries that point out how “God is in everything.” “God is around us, inside us and everything in the world,” the rabbi said. “It’s the mystical idea of God.”
In the Hasidic way, he continued, there is expression of joy and ecstasy through prayer while striving for oneness with God
Rabbi Muller said a segment of a program at the institute revolved around a parable of a human king disguising himself in various outfits to go out among his soldiers and subjects so he could hear what they were saying. Likewise, it is believed that God mixes and mingles with humans but His presence is hidden. “I will surely hide my face” from Deuteronomy 31:18 may be evidence of this.
A passage from a Shabbat service also relates to the idea of God among people. “ Days pass and the years vanish, and we walk sightless among miracles. Lord, fill our eyes with seeing and our minds with knowing; let there be moments when Your Presence, like lightning, illuminates the darkness in which we walk.”
Yoga also is another method to enhance spiritual contemplation. Institute information notes that as participants release tension in the body, it rids it in the mind and emotions.
The retreats also will include “experiencing silence” (the rabbi said they ate two of three meals in silence), prayer, Torah study and contemplative listening.
Rabbi Muller said he is thinking about how to use what he is learning to benefit the congregation. He said possibilities include incorporating yoga, meditation and more participatory music in services. He also said spiritual development would lead to more social justice — good works, deeds – mitzvah.
Visit the Institute for Jewish Spirituality at www.ijs-online.org.