Watching the Re-Entry Theater of Harlem perform prior to Slichot was an awe-some experience. I was faced with confronting my lack of knowledge, lack of curiosity about the impact incarceration has on the entire community. I came away with AWE for the brave men who shared their experiences. I shared my experience with a friend who is on the vestry of a church in White Plains who plans to invite the group to her community. -- Rayna A., Hartsdale, NY

This summer I have been picking flowers weekly at Ferjulians Farm in Hudson, MA. Each week I appreciate the stunning beauty, the smiling faces of other people picking, and the words exchanged about the overwhelming beauty in the fields. One morning in early August, I was strolling through the fields and thinking “ G-d is here. G-d made this. G-d is in the flowers and beauty and sun and warmth.” A few steps later I looked over and saw the familiar faces of two of the farm workers. They were speaking in a language that I did not know as they weeded and pruned and picked flowers for pre-made arrangements. We smiled and exchanged hellos and I thanked them with my smile. it was at this moment that it all came together for me. Yes, there is an element of G-d in this place for me AND it is not lost on me that the stunning beauty of this place would not be possible without the physical labor of the humans who work there. It was truly a moment of awe for me. A moment of realization that the partnership between human beings and nature/ G-d is everything. G-d has given us the foundation. It’s what we do with it that allows it to continue…. Or not. -- Cindy K., Chelmsford, MA

This video by Will Smith encapsulates so much of a lesson that bowled me over when I began to explore it: what are we so afraid of? -- Joseph J., Philadelphia, PA