Steve Ornstein: Israel-Understanding Inner-Peace in Jewish Thought
Many among us don’t yet get it.
What don’t they get you ask?
Looking outward getting caught up in the celestial bliss of color and design
That takes one into a world of beauty and forgetfulness of the inner sense of life.
What is that you ask?
An inner viewpoint is a reality that sparks intuitive awareness and inclusion
Where love and compassion, justice and mercy prevail.
A place of potential. Unity and uniqueness blended into a framework that defies outward reality.
An atmosphere of embracing the “other” with a deep sense of honesty and caring.
Then looking outward and enjoying the embrace of the amazing space and time we live within our bodies
experienced in a maze of unity and deep connectedness to everyone and everything that surrounds us.
In this state of existence, one can truly heal within and share that state of being with family, friends, community and “strangers” living in our midst.
Healing the world begins and continues from within.
This reflection echoes a deep spiritual wisdom found in Jewish thought, where the journey inward and the connection between inner and outer worlds are central themes.
Jewish Religious Insights
- **The Soul’s Journey Inward**:
– In Judaism, the soul (neshama) is seen as a divine spark, a piece of God within each person. The journey inward is a return to this divine essence, reconnecting with one’s true self and purpose. The practice of *hitbonenut* (meditative introspection) and *teshuvah* (returning or repentance) are ways to cultivate this connection, leading to greater awareness of one’s inner reality and the divine presence within.
- **The Concept of Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World)**:
– The reflection’s emphasis on healing from within resonates with the Jewish concept of *Tikkun Olam*, which means “repairing the world.” This idea suggests that by healing ourselves—through love, compassion, justice, and mercy—we contribute to the healing and betterment of the world around us. *Tikkun Olam* begins with personal introspection and growth, which then extends outward to create a more just and compassionate society.
- **Unity and Diversity**:
– The passage speaks to unity and uniqueness blended into a framework that defies outward reality. In Jewish thought, this can be related to the concept of *Klal Yisrael*, the collective unity of the Jewish people, where each individual is valued for their unique contribution to the whole. The idea of embracing the “other” with honesty and care aligns with the commandment to “love your neighbor as yourself” (*V’ahavta L’reacha Kamocha*), promoting a sense of responsibility toward others, regardless of differences.
- **Balancing the Material and Spiritual**:
– Judaism emphasizes the balance between the material and spiritual worlds. The reflection’s call to appreciate the outer beauty of the world while not losing sight of inner realities aligns with the Jewish practice of *Kiddush HaChaim*—sanctifying life. This means finding holiness in the every day, in the physical world, while staying connected to spiritual values. Practices such as saying blessings (*brachot*) over food or nature are ways to connect the inner spiritual life with the outer physical world.
Practical Application in Daily Life
- **Daily Reflection and Prayer**:
– Engage in daily reflection through prayer (*tefillah*) or meditation. The Amidah, a central Jewish prayer, includes blessings that focus on personal needs and communal well-being, encouraging both inward reflection and outward action.
- **Acts of Kindness (*Chesed*)** Practice kindness in everyday interactions, reflecting the inner qualities of compassion and justice. Acts of *chesed* (loving-kindness) are seen as ways to bring the divine presence into the world, connecting the inner and outer.
- **Study and Learning**:
– Engage in regular study of Torah and Jewish texts, which offer insights into balancing the inner spiritual journey with the demands of the outer world. This study is a way to continuously refine one’s character and actions.
By integrating these Jewish spiritual practices and concepts, the reflection can serve as a guide for living a life that harmonizes the inner and outer worlds, promoting healing, unity, and a deeper connection to the divine and to each other.
