I think of the universe as an exquisite miracle and try to remember each day to appreciate it for what it is, a gigantic rainbow unicorn, because why not. But I also think of the silk worm's cocoon and how the fine delicate thread we pull from it can be turned into amazing and beautiful rainbow fabric to make a dream coat... Whether small or large we can appreciate the mundane as a miraculous gift that is changed by how we see it. Look for the beauty in the world and find yourself.
And this work you're doing here, this is the magic I miss so often--the meaning-making that goes on around me (and that I could choose to engage in with more playfulness more often). I'm going to carry these giant rainbow unicorns into the day and see what they encourage in me as a meaning-maker as well.
This was fun. I can imagine a lot more people would be interested in setting up tabernacles if we mentioned the role that gargantuan rainbow unicorns played in their construction.
This week I have been thinking about the amazing neotropical bird migrants in Texas. Painted Bunting (mini rainbow unicorn), blue grosbeak, scott's oriole, goldfinches. the colors are stunning and I have to remember to fully see them in their glory... not just glazedly watch them through the window.
Thank you Rabbi! I’m now imagining Narwhals frolicking in the desert in service of G_d. And it’s absolutely Rainbow Unicorn Torah. Btw, I love that phrase. May I quote you (with attribution, of course)? I’d use it in a sentence like this “Rabbi’s D’var Torah this week was Rainbow Unicorn!” Or “Subscribe to Life is a Sacred Text. It has mad Rainbow Unicorn Torah.” And yes, I’ve talked you and this space up a lot.
For some reason, I am connecting this beautiful - insanely beautiful - image and midrash with Moses on Mount Horeb when the Burning Bush caught his eye. The bright fire that did not consume or harm the bush. He approaches closer and hears, "Take off your shoes for the ground upon which you walk is holy."
Why is it holy? Maybe it, too, is on fire and always was and is -- a colorful fire we cannot easily bear so we have to create a curtain between us and the Divine. That one glimpse of the fire that does not destroy is somewhat like the appearance of these sacred animals - or an animal - created for the Mishkan ... colorful animals, fiery and bright in their own ways, of six colors (why six?) .
These beings are miracles like the fire that hints that, just beyond our habits and dulled down minimal lives, beyond the curtain, is a bright and life-giving light that sustains, not consumes. It's all on fire -- it's all tachashim; this entire universe, us, all that was, is, and will be in imitation of its Creator. It's all holy ground and gives birth to miracles from the very miracle that any and all of us exist for just a moment and can glimpse the colors and light.
Thank you for letting me say what I needed. Hopefully it is more help than hinderance.
"Chasing after the mundane because we’re too stubborn, too afraid, too unwilling to see the extraordinary. There is magic all the time that we don’t see, miss completely, forget."
There is plenty of magic in the mundane (Google define: mundane) and my personal understanding of Judaism involves drawing attention to the mundane through blessings over food, appreciating flowers and herbs, seeing a rainbow, and seeing large scale wonders of nature, etc. Whether one cares to thank a god, gods, nothing in particular, etc. is not the issue for me.
I couldn't help thinking about a dolphin-safe, rainbow-unicorn-safe Mishkan. Dolphins are used a means to an end (catching Tuna) and the amazing Rainbow Unicorns sacrificed in Midrash do seem a little too true to how we relate to the other animals we share our planet with and how we relate to other human beings.
Bernadine Wasser "Whether small or large we can appreciate the mundane as a miraculous gift.." ,
Justin Johnson "This is ridiculous and lovely. And also a solid reminder of mindfulness.",
and Rachael "The anime, "Heaven's Design Team," might explain why Rainbow Unicorns were a one time deal..." Note: I've just added it to my list of manga/anime I want to read/view.
I am loving this sooo much! And it comes at just the right time when we need Rainbow Unicorns in our lives!!! Even more than we need demanding leaders and God!
You tell me to follow somebody on Twitter and I click through and find that they have an interest in sheriff power just as I do in a different California county…It’s not exactly magic, but it might be unicorn footprints to follow.
A Frank. Rainbow unicorns travel in a Frank.
I think of the universe as an exquisite miracle and try to remember each day to appreciate it for what it is, a gigantic rainbow unicorn, because why not. But I also think of the silk worm's cocoon and how the fine delicate thread we pull from it can be turned into amazing and beautiful rainbow fabric to make a dream coat... Whether small or large we can appreciate the mundane as a miraculous gift that is changed by how we see it. Look for the beauty in the world and find yourself.
Oh, this is a delight!
And this work you're doing here, this is the magic I miss so often--the meaning-making that goes on around me (and that I could choose to engage in with more playfulness more often). I'm going to carry these giant rainbow unicorns into the day and see what they encourage in me as a meaning-maker as well.
This was fun. I can imagine a lot more people would be interested in setting up tabernacles if we mentioned the role that gargantuan rainbow unicorns played in their construction.
This week I have been thinking about the amazing neotropical bird migrants in Texas. Painted Bunting (mini rainbow unicorn), blue grosbeak, scott's oriole, goldfinches. the colors are stunning and I have to remember to fully see them in their glory... not just glazedly watch them through the window.
Thank you Rabbi! I’m now imagining Narwhals frolicking in the desert in service of G_d. And it’s absolutely Rainbow Unicorn Torah. Btw, I love that phrase. May I quote you (with attribution, of course)? I’d use it in a sentence like this “Rabbi’s D’var Torah this week was Rainbow Unicorn!” Or “Subscribe to Life is a Sacred Text. It has mad Rainbow Unicorn Torah.” And yes, I’ve talked you and this space up a lot.
The anime, "Heaven's Design Team," might explain why Rainbow Unicorns were a one time deal...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SHQoFgZYYI
Oh this post is delightful, and thoughtful too.
Any dinosaur used as a size reference to this text needs to be an Onkelosaurus.
For some reason, I am connecting this beautiful - insanely beautiful - image and midrash with Moses on Mount Horeb when the Burning Bush caught his eye. The bright fire that did not consume or harm the bush. He approaches closer and hears, "Take off your shoes for the ground upon which you walk is holy."
Why is it holy? Maybe it, too, is on fire and always was and is -- a colorful fire we cannot easily bear so we have to create a curtain between us and the Divine. That one glimpse of the fire that does not destroy is somewhat like the appearance of these sacred animals - or an animal - created for the Mishkan ... colorful animals, fiery and bright in their own ways, of six colors (why six?) .
These beings are miracles like the fire that hints that, just beyond our habits and dulled down minimal lives, beyond the curtain, is a bright and life-giving light that sustains, not consumes. It's all on fire -- it's all tachashim; this entire universe, us, all that was, is, and will be in imitation of its Creator. It's all holy ground and gives birth to miracles from the very miracle that any and all of us exist for just a moment and can glimpse the colors and light.
Thank you for letting me say what I needed. Hopefully it is more help than hinderance.
"Chasing after the mundane because we’re too stubborn, too afraid, too unwilling to see the extraordinary. There is magic all the time that we don’t see, miss completely, forget."
There is plenty of magic in the mundane (Google define: mundane) and my personal understanding of Judaism involves drawing attention to the mundane through blessings over food, appreciating flowers and herbs, seeing a rainbow, and seeing large scale wonders of nature, etc. Whether one cares to thank a god, gods, nothing in particular, etc. is not the issue for me.
I couldn't help thinking about a dolphin-safe, rainbow-unicorn-safe Mishkan. Dolphins are used a means to an end (catching Tuna) and the amazing Rainbow Unicorns sacrificed in Midrash do seem a little too true to how we relate to the other animals we share our planet with and how we relate to other human beings.
Speaking of unicorns, I have to mention Peter S. Beagle's The Last Unicorn (book and movie). https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29127.The_Last_Unicorn .
Special thanks to
Bernadine Wasser "Whether small or large we can appreciate the mundane as a miraculous gift.." ,
Justin Johnson "This is ridiculous and lovely. And also a solid reminder of mindfulness.",
and Rachael "The anime, "Heaven's Design Team," might explain why Rainbow Unicorns were a one time deal..." Note: I've just added it to my list of manga/anime I want to read/view.
for their comments. Thanks! Jeff
I am loving this sooo much! And it comes at just the right time when we need Rainbow Unicorns in our lives!!! Even more than we need demanding leaders and God!
You tell me to follow somebody on Twitter and I click through and find that they have an interest in sheriff power just as I do in a different California county…It’s not exactly magic, but it might be unicorn footprints to follow.
Charmed life, really.
I can't believe I missed THIS.
I...wow. No words except...I love it and I...want one? 😆
I've lost count at this point of how many people I've fwd'd this to. And each one replies to me with such joy and enthusiasm!
I almost forgot. I really appreciated the Peppa Pig reference in Monday’s post. Thanks, Jeff 😊