Dearest Friends,
On Passover, every year, we read that we are supposed to feel like we, ourselves, have been on the journey. That we, as slaves, are leaving Egypt (and all that represents), carrying all that we are and have into the desert. Historically, for me, it has been a moment to reflect on the ways I feel freer and more alive. Since I was a little girl, I have loved the feeling of cleaning everything and spiritually striving to burn up that which holds me back.
This year, this Passover, this moment is unlike anything I/we have ever faced before.
I wanted to write you a letter of hope and joy, reflecting on freedom and blessing, but, like too many of us, I feel the isolation and fear of the plague holding our world hostage. I’m unsure, shaky, scared, praying and trying to believe even when I’m not sure how…
And still, even now, life is beautiful and meaningful. Every day brings true moments of joy. I am blessed to spend precious time with my children and my love. My mother is alone and yet we are closer than ever. I speak with her in a new way and with great intention throughout every day. Time feels deeper somehow, family is different somehow. The uncertainty weighs on my spirit and yet I feel real strength in the re-prioritization process I am experiencing. In seeing what really matters, there is a new kind of breaking free and breaking open.
One great sadness has been the postponement of my work, and I know I’m not alone in that. I miss singing with you all and mourn the traveling that can’t happen now. I’m hoping that our world heals enough for us to be together in person soon. Until then, my team and I offer our new #Believe T-shirts (designed by me!), our #Believe jewelry line and our recordings to you with open hearts. We feel so blessed that the music can serve as a balm in this complicated time.
Many of you have asked if I was going to offer online concerts – and I thank you so much for that. I’m excited to announce that on April 11th at 8:00 p.m. my beautiful husband, Menachem Creditor, and I will be singing and teaching together from our home. This event is sponsored by Portraits in Faith. And on April 14th, I am honored to be presenting an online class for the Streicker Center at 10:30 a.m.. Registration is free, but you must register to attend. Last week, I was honored to participate in the Ultimate #VirtualSeder2020 (here’s my Pesach message excerpted) and #Miriam’sTable, two incredible online Pesach experiences with beloved friends and colleagues. I have also sung publicly with my Menachem, for the first time, on Facebook Live – Piha Potcha and Yedid Nefesh.
Thank you for your presence in my life and your love from afar. I am emotional to be connecting with you and am praying, with all of me, that you and your family and loved ones are safe and healthy and finding little pockets of gratitude and joy.
May we find our way through this time of challenge and pain. May the ones who are caring for us, on the front lines, be relieved from this holy work quickly. May we emerge from this slavery with more strength, resilience, compassion and humility than ever before. May our broken world find a new healing. May we sing together again so soon…
Yours, as always,
Neshama
