Spiritual Sparks: Readers Respond

Readers Respond: Reflections from Our Community

Welcome to Spiritual Sparks. You’re receiving this email because you signed up to receive weekly insights on spirituality.

On the first Monday of each month, I’ll be sharing reader responses to the prior month’s inspirational messages. These reflections are a testament to the depth, diversity, and spiritual yearning within our community.

In our first four editions of Spiritual Sparks, we explored the spiritual dimensions of music, touch, life’s challenges, and the soul. These themes opened doorways into memory, meaning, and mystery—and your responses have been nothing short of luminous.

Here are a few sparks from readers:

🕊️ On Music: “Music has, at times, truly moved me. Kabbalat Shabbat… when done right, my body and soul literally feel the presence of the holiday arriving.”

“Not only do I like music very much; it penetrates my soul. I truly believe music brings us all together.”

“The song that came to my mind immediately is Imagine by John Lennon. The sentiments about peace and congeniality touch me deeply.”

“Music stands on its own. Other art forms often feel incomplete without it, but music needs no accompaniment.”

“As a musician myself, I really resonated with this.  I hope you don't mind that I cut and pasted it and sent it to my dear friend, Linda Ronstadt.”

🤲 On Touch: “Your message is truly touching… I remembered another source in Isaiah where touch had a strong spiritual effect.”

“I do have a soul and it has led me through life. My husband died years ago, but his soul lives on—and so we continue to argue.”

💔 On Life’s Challenges: “This week, I was reminded by my doctor that I’ve reached a significant milestone. I identify with post-traumatic growth, count my blessings, and thank Hashem (God) every day for realigning my purpose.”

“As I get older and this country and the world are crumbling, I could really use some spiritual sparks. My spirituality and faith have gone missing.”

🔥 On the Soul: “I’m looking for input to what seem like unanswerable questions… some grounding and some contentment.”

“I don’t have much of a connection to my Jewish community anymore, but I look for opportunities to learn, especially how I personally connect with Judaism.”

🌍 On Connection: “My daughter converted to Judaism. I’m a Baptist, very open to learning all I can about her faith. The newsletters may be a way for me (and my husband) to connect from afar.”

“Given all the negativity and division in the world, I could use a weekly dose of positivity.”

💫 A Story That Touched Me Deeply

One reader shared a moment that reminds us why music—and memory—matter

“I used to perform at a dueling piano bar. One night, a man sitting alone requested ‘I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing’ by Aerosmith. It’s a slow piece, but the audience sang along, and I noticed the man in a state of serenity… and the empty seat beside him.

After the show, he thanked me. It was his wife’s favorite song—and she had recently passed away. That night, I realized why the seat felt so full: it had a special visitor. It was my honor to play her favorite song for her.”

This story reminds us that spiritual sparks don’t just illuminate—they connect. Across time, across loss, across silence.

🔮 Looking Ahead

This week’s theme (on Thursday) is Beauty. What does spiritual beauty mean to you? Is it harmony, authenticity, cosmic resonance, or something else entirely?

If you’d like to share a reflection on a specific topic discussed in Spiritual Sparks, or the spiritual growth and challenges you might be experiencing, please let me know and respond to this email. Your words may be featured (anonymously) in next month’s Readers Respond.

Warmly, Rabbi Ze’ev Smason

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