“If worrying did any good, all the rich people would hire worriers!”

-Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi

When I was in college, someone gave me a set of “trouble dolls”, six little figures in a box. I was supposed to tell them my troubles each night at bed, and let them carry them while I got a good nights sleep. There were only 6 dolls because I was only allowed to have that many troubles and no more! They were “worriers” I could hire for the night.

As Shabbat approaches each Friday night, my family and I review the week; the blessings and the struggles. As we ritually wash our hands before breaking bread, we wash away and release anything we need to let go of that would keep us from entering a state of peace and joy. And then we throw that water out onto the earth to be processed, recycled and renewed! This ritual allows us to put our worries aside for a day, and relax into the NOW. It’s a life saving break from woes. Repeat as needed.

What worries do you need to release right now to enter a place of peace?

Shabbat Shalom!

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Zalman Meshullam Schachter-Shalomi, commonly called “Reb Zalman“, (28 August 1924 – 3 July 2014) was one of the founders of the Jewish Renewal movement and an innovator in ecumenical dialogue and spiritual practice.

Joe Laur is a father, husband, naturalist, executive consultant, and a lowly rabbinic student. He can be reached at joe.laur@godsdog.net.