a letter of introduction

Dear friends, colleagues, family, and mentors, 

I’ve been blessed to have several years dedicated to Torah learning and spiritual growth – indeed, some of you might have contributed directly, or indirectly, to this period of my life. Over this span of time, I feel I’ve been granted countless gifts. Having learned from many great teachers, I’ve managed to wrestle a lot of clarity, insight, and a sense of direction out of life. As an overflowing vessel, I can’t help but feel the need to share some of what I have received. Perhaps I will be another one amongst thousands who are disseminating spirituality and Torah thoughts. Yet, my heart won't let me stay still – and I feel I should listen.

 I come to you, then, because I intend on starting an oh-so-small, petit indeed, project. The purpose of my small endeavour is to create short, simple, blurbs that have been culled from some of my reflections on life, Torah, G-d, and nature. My intention is to keep things short, simple and fluid. This is why I’ve decided to call the project, Neshama – soul in Hebrew.

 Jewish mysticism explains that the soul is, in its essence, simple. This doesn’t mean not grand, nor not exalted — but, rather, uncomplicated and whole. Thus, I, too, hope that what I share will be simple: not necessarily in the simplicity of its content, but rather in the wholeness and lucidity of its message. Indeed, some of the ideas — the creation of man and the workings of the universe — are anything but simple; yet, their core shines with a simple essence that illuminates our life and brings order out of chaos. 

This brings me to the other reason why I’ve decided to call it Neshama. It might very well be that some of my content won’t be footnoted with any sort of reference; rather, it will have been culled from that mysterious, poorly-sourced, book called living. All of it will have been informed, of course, by the great teachers I’ve had, both in writing and in person – and primarily by the Torah, my life-long, daily, teacher. Yet, I don’t know if I will be able to pinpoint exactly where each thing has come from. The credibility of my work, then, will come primarily from that measuring stick called the soul. The words will be like a tuning fork of sorts; if they ring somewhere that can’t quite be placed, then that will suffice for me. Thus the name Neshama. 

I hope you will join me. I’m not sure where the project might go – or how it might unfold. I am completely open to feedback, answers, discussions, and any type of response to anything I share: criticism is better than feeling I’m not being read! Look out for the first edition!