Cantor's Blog

There is an inherent excitement to setting out on a journey across this beautiful planet. Novel experiences, original understandings, an encounter with varied cultures and a jaunt through the past hoping to construct broadened horizons for the future.

Over recent weeks, I’ve traveled through much of western and southern Europe. Snow piled up on the deck of a cruise ship, awe-inspiring natural beauty, historical ruins and humanity’s greatest achievements have dotted the timeline of my travels.  I have spoken to hundreds of individuals from an array of backgrounds and have learned from so many. (Five weeks with primarily British folks has exposed me to a whole new language!) I have visited the sites of humankind’s greatest tragedies as well as scenes reflecting the apex of societal achievements.  I return wiser, inspired, and truly humbled.

It’s good to be home! I return physically exhausted but ever more appreciative of the wonders of home. A routine of Jewish living amongst a community with whom I have shared so much of life over the past fourteen years. I cherish the gift you’ve given me of two months traveling across time zones and national borders. And now, following the “time of my life,” I re-enter a familiar time zone ready to embrace the comforts of routine. Unpacking, laundry, bills, food shopping, haircuts and a shower in which I can actually turn around; hugging my beloved dog, reconnecting over dinner with friends, Shabbat with community. May it be God’s will that I bring all that I have learned to life while also appreciating my beloved routine through the lens of radical amazement. 

בִּרְכָּת הָבָּיִת
בְּזֶה הַשַּׁעַר לֹא יָבוֹא צַעַר.
בְּזֹאת הַדִּירָה לֹא תָבוֹא צָרָה.
בְּזֹאת הַדֶּלֶת לֺא תָבוֹא בֶּהָלָה.
בְּזֹאת הַמַּחְלָקָה לֺא תָבוֹא מַחְלוֺקֶת.
בְּזֶה הַמָּקוֺם תְּהִי בְרָכָה וְשָׁלוֺם.

Blessing for Home (with poetic license)
Let no sorrow enter through our gates.
Let no trouble enter our dwellings.
Let no fright enter our doors.
Let no conflict enter our community.  
Let there be blessing and peace for all of us.