Long Walks

By Jill Maidhof

Last month I wrote about my garden, which, thanks for asking, continues to provide me with endless hours of back-breaking pleasure. This month I’ll share my second addiction: long walks. If my destination is within five miles, I hoof it. My little trips relax me, they challenge me physically and they make me feel quite righteous as my car, resting peacefully in the driveway, poses no threat to the environment. Most importantly, though, my walks give me miles of time  to think. And very often, what comes up is  my last Chai Mitzvah  experience.

 What I remember most is what participants, real people with real lives, had to say.

Here’s the thing:  I generally don’t think about what the facilitator or the texts offered. What I remember most is what participants, real people with real lives, had to say.  Consider this, as an example:

My current groups are exploring Mussar and before our discussion of the monthly middah, Jewish value, we spend a few minutes delving into the practice of Mussar itself. Last week I asked participants how they distinguish Mussar from other self-improvement programs. Silence…

And then Shanny said, “It’s Jewish” and we teased out that she meant it reflects our history and heritage.  Learning Mussar makes her feel that she’s keeping a long chain of tradition alive. 

Donna was next: “It’s logical—it makes sense” and again we got her to say more. Mussar reflects the intellectual rigor of Jewish thought which gives her so much pride.

Rita said, “It’s spiritual. I can’t explain it but it’s not like anything I’ve ever done.”  We agreed that Mussar is a practice that enables us to be imitators of God and co-creators with God of harmony, justice and love. Rita was dead on—it’s a highly spiritual tradition. 

Bonnie added, “It’s self-reflective”, causing us to appreciate  hat Mussar involves an element of cheshbon nefesh – an accounting of the soul – which helps to keep us honest.

All I can say is Wow, it’s a good thing I’m on a long, long walk, because I have so much to think about. You participants in the Chai Mitzvah experience are brilliant and generous with your wisdom and I thank you. Keep coming. Keep speaking up. We’re all listening!!