Minding the Temple of the Soul: Balancing Body, Mind & Spirit through Traditional Jewish Prayer, Movement and Meditation
Rabbi/Cantor Judy is co-author of two published books
This new spiritual approach to physical health introduces us to a spiritual tradition that affirms the body and enables us to re-conceive our bodies in a more positive light. Using Kabbalistic teachings and other Jewish traditions, it shows us how to be more responsible for our own spiritual and physical health.
Each chapter explores the meaning of traditional Jewish prayers, providing a framework for new thinking about body, mind and soul. Simple exercises and movements help our bodies "understand" prayer, and show how the body's energy centers correspond to the Kabbalistic concept of the ten divine "rays of light," the Sefirot. And meditations and visualizations allow us to further enhance our spiritual awareness.
Using the structure of the Prayer Wheel, readers can move step by step toward wholeness of body, mind and spirit:
Modeh Ani Awakening our body and our soul
Mah Tovu Creating a temple for our soul
Asher Yatzar Focusing on the gift of our body
Bircat HaTorah Balancing our mind through the gift of Torah
Elohai Neshamah Connecting with the soul using the Sefirot
Elu D'varim Walking on a God-centered path
Clearly illustrated with photos and diagrams to guide readers, this active, creative approach allows us to tap the power of the Jewish tradition―to awaken the body, balance the mind and connect with the soul.
Entering the Temple of Dreams: Jewish Prayers, Movements, and Meditations for the End of the Day
This inspiring, informative guide shows us how we can use the often overlooked time at the end of each day to enhance our spiritual, physical and psychological well-being.
Each chapter takes a new look at traditional Jewish prayers and what they have to teach us about the spiritual aspects of preparing for the end of the day, and about sleep itself. Drawing on Kabbalistic teachings, prayer, the Bible and midrash, the authors enrich our understanding of traditional bedtime preparations, and show how, by including them in our bedtime rituals, we can gain insight into our lives and access the spiritual enrichment the world of dreams has to offer.
Clear illustrations and diagrams, step-by-step meditations, visualization techniques and exercise suggestions for fully integrating body, mind and spirit show us the way to:
Hashkivenu―Creating a safe space for sleep
Hareni Mochel―Clearing our hearts through forgiveness
Shema―Connecting to God in Love
Bircat Cohanim―Experiencing the reality of blessing
Hamapil―Thanking God for sleep and the illumination that comes in sleeps
This perfect nighttime companion draws on the power of Jewish tradition to help us enhance our spiritual awareness―in both our waking and sleeping hours.
“Rabbi Judy is the most down to earth and caring Rabbi I have ever met.
Rabbi Judy has the incredible ability to make the ancient and sometimes complex teachings modern and understandable for all ages - whether you grew up in a Jewish household or not. She really cares about making the learning experiences fun and approachable for the kids and families. There is no “guilt” or “authoritarianism” like you may find in other temples but at the same time she helps the kids and their families understand the importance and significance of taking part in the Mitzvah process.”
— Jodi Targon Lev
“I was so moved by your High Holy Day service, Judy. Not just because…
it was so special to be back in person and see so many familiar faces, but because something else became apparent to me as I was sitting in the audience. Specifically I was thinking about how much you mean to this community, and how there are so many people you have been there for in their time of need or struggle. No reason to name names. I just felt really blessed to be a part of your congregation and seeing people who've really struggled, endure in your congregation, is a testimony to your loyalty, kindness, lack of judgment and overall spiritual connectedness. All of which is to say, thank you, for everything you do, and for honoring Tyler and I with such a special part of the service. We were both very moved.”
— Adam Gibgot
“After having studied Torah with Rabbi Judy for 4 years, I yearned for more.
I yearned for a deeper understanding of Jewish customs, rituals, prayers, history… all things Jewish. Becoming an adult B’nei Mitzvah, a gift to myself for my 70th birthday, was the next step in my Jewish journey . Embarking on this level of learning profoundly changed me into a more spiritual soul and deepened my admiration and love for my Jewish roots. Rabbi Judy customized my service by acknowledging my ‘sagehood’ while still incorporating the necessary traditional customs. I loved her very special tallit tying ritual which I found both educational and emotional. I feel fortunate and am grateful to have been studying with Rabbi Judy. Her love of Judaism has inspired me to acquire Torah and live a spiritually oriented Jewish life.”
— Susan Rose Golbin
“My conversion experience with Rabbi Cantor Judy Greenfeld was the best I could have asked for.
She made the whole process so enjoyable and pleasant. Her way of teaching makes you feel so welcomed, she took the time to explain any questions I had without judgment. Her depth and knowledge of Judaism is remarkable. She truly cares about the teachings of Judaism, the history, spirituality, and the wonderful traditions. She will share her wealth of knowledge with anyone who is eager to learn.
She also was the Rabbi for my wedding, she made our wedding day so magical!
And now that my husband and I are expecting our first child, she will be our family Rabbi. We look forward to having our kids learn from her the important Jewish traditions. I refer all my friends and family to her because she is truly the best Rabbi.”
— Teresa Pinedo
