Greetings, friends!
Books
I read the original Hebrew version of Achinoam (King Saul’s Wife) by Tami Ezer. I happen to love Biblical fiction. There is so much missing from the Old Testament, it’s easy to reinterpret the events according to other characters—in this case Achinoam. The story was compelling and familiar, and I am glad I read it in the original Hebrew because it made the references to the Old Testament even more powerful. Told through the eyes of Saul’s first wife, the story follows the couple through the joys of young, passionate love to the pain of madness, betrayal, and destruction. At one point, before the final battle with the Philistines, Saul is overcome with despair and says, “I never wanted to be king. [The prophet] Samuel chose me and then he forsook me.”
This heartbreaking scene hit hard. To what extent are we led by others, and to what extent do we need to hold ourselves accountable for allowing ourselves to be led? In these fractured times, it is especially important to give people the benefit of the doubt AND question critically—considering motivations and outcomes. I’m trying to hold space for both.
Beats
This month Jews around the world celebrated the return of 20 hostages who were kidnapped on October 7th 2023. We too can celebrate the reunion with One More Dance by Yonatan Razel and Shulem Lemmer. Let the healing begin!
Barbells
I’m tap dancing again! Not very well, but the body remembers. What’s an old skill you want to revive?
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Find the balance. 