|
Dear Friends,
One of the “most read” books on my bookshelf is entitled “Quest For Love,”
by Rabbi Joseph H. Gelberman. Recently (via the internet) I discovered that
Rabbi Gelberman had died on 9 September, at the age of 98. He had founded
the New Seminary For Interfaith Studies, and the New Synagogue, where he
taught interfaith concepts in New York for 40 years. What I value in the
book, is that, although he promotes Jewish traditions, it is his embracing
of a universal truth, and the oneness of all creation – all life, that is
prevalent throughout.
So, I want to share again (again, because it is nothing new) the idea that
life has more to impart at the spiritual level than we can even conceive of
in the world. And we have to go beyond the human man or woman because in our
humanness we cannot receive or even know the things of God.
I was looking at my large patio windows this past week (before the welcome
rain); and the reason I was looking at them and not through them was because
due to moisture from the sea air and dust blown by the wind, they were
covered in a murky, seemingly impenetrable, film. And this so often happens
when we try to see the truth in life through the human eye. Our own
preconceived ideas are creating a film that is almost impenetrable because
these ideas or concepts we carry have become so real to us.
Rabbi Gelberman, in his book, says: “God created a beautiful world, we are
told in the bible. And God saw it was good. With the word ‘saw,’ the bible
teaches man awareness. Look as God did, and you too will see that ‘it is
good.’”
Now we all know that in order to see the “good”, we need to realize that
this absolute good can only be discerned spiritually through an aware
consciousness; through a consciousness that can see, as does God, from
spirit to spirit.
To assist us in this, Rabbi Gelberman says there should be an 11th
commandment: ‘Thou shalt have purpose!’ He suggests, we have purpose when we
know who we are in truth; we have purpose when we believe in the sacredness
of each moment; we have purpose when we are consciously concerned first with
the salvation of our own soul. Gelberman talks throughout his book of “being
in love with life.” It is Life (with a capital ‘L’) – a synonym for God, for
God is Life! And when we embrace this life that we are living, with
enthusiasm, it gives us purpose. Just listening to theories and others’
experiences of realization and revelation will not do it for us. We need to
be intentional about finding the fullness of Life, the fullness of God, for,
and within, ourselves.
But we will not achieve any of this without transcending human
consciousness. We encounter the mystical experience of Life – of God – when
we move beyond human comprehension, beyond human desires and expectations
and just become still, in the sacred moment of now.
How much purpose is there really, in our strive for the kingdom of spirit?
We need to make our purpose the turning away from effect, and instead focus
on cause, realizing that any change that takes place in our respective lives
(in all aspects) takes place because of a change in consciousness. Every day
we are faced with two powers, yet there is only one true power – the power
of God, and when we remind ourselves of this truth, we are uplifted in
consciousness. And it is in this uplifted consciousness that we can discern
that this outer world in which we live is temporary. The real world is the
world of consciousness; and consciousness is above any religion, tradition,
or belief system. It is in universal consciousness that we are all one in
spirit.
It was this idea that led to Rabbi Gelberman’s belief in interfaith concepts
– it was his unique mission to unite people of all faiths as he shared his
love of Life and reminded all: “Thou shalt have purpose!”
SUNDAY SERVICES:
Meditation - 09:30 to 09:45
Service - 09:45 to 10:30
Guided Meditation - 18:30 to 19:00 (with Lee Morgutti)
THE SATURDAY FORUM:
This is a new item on the ACT Programme, and will take place monthly at
2.30pm at ACT, on the second Saturday of the month.
This month – 13 November: Ralph Dinkelmann will lead an interactive workshop
on Health and Tensegrity which will include practical techniques for a more
fulfilling lifestyle.
Entry is by donation, with tea, coffee and biscuits provided.
SPIRITUAL CINEMA:
Spiritual Cinema Movie, Friday 19 November 2010 at 19h00 at ACT:
For more information call Jean Wildervanck: 073-2720042
ACT SOCIAL COMMITTEE WALK:
The following has been arranged for November:
Saturday 06 – We will be joining the Zwartkops Trust for the
Bluewater Bay beach walk. We are to meet at the Bluewater Bay swimming beach
at 08:30. We will all be transported from there to St. Georges Strand from
where we will walk to Coega and back.
Saturday 20 – A ‘behind the scenes’ tour at Bayworld. There is far
more to Bayworld than exhibits. We will meet the scientists who work there
and hear about their research; we will look at the various marine
collections; visit the taxidermist and also watch a dissection. All are to
meet outside the main entrance to Bayworld at 09:00.
This all promises to be wonderfully informative – thanks to Marlene Reid who
leads our footsteps on many different paths each month, and has, together
with Sylvia van Zyl of Bayworld, come up with a ‘bonus activity.’ Further
details and lists will be up on the Notice Board in the hall.
ENVIRONMENTAL MOVIES AT A.C.T.:
On the last Friday of the month an environmental movie will be shown at the
Centre. Those who have seen some of the movies shown up until recently will
agree they have all been excellent. You may contact Lee Morgutti for further
information on: 041-3687068 or Ryan Allan on: 083-2652465. Entry is by
donation. Starting time: 19:00
A.C.T. TOASTMASTERS CLUB:
Remember, there is a way to improve your communication skills, in a
supportive environment. All are welcome to attend the meeting on the third
Thursday of the month at 19:30 at ACT. Call Joy on 073-8801975 for all the
information.
RECORDINGS OF SUNDAY SERVICES:
Recordings of the Sunday service lessons are available on CD.
Orders can be placed on a Sunday morning or phone the office.
MOONLIGHT MARKET REPORT-BACK:
A big “thank you” is extended to Jane Southee and all who assisted in
this venture. We applaud Jane for investigating and following through on a
new possibility. It was an interesting exercise to hold the market at a
different venue where a successful evening was shared by those who attended.
In closing, I share with
you these words from the book: Mystical Teachings, by H.B. Jeffery.
“In my integrity place within me, where I see and speak as God sees and
speaks, I see you, O man, as alive with the fadeless life of God your
Father. I see you as flawless substance; no disease or disorder is in you. I
see you as strong with the strength of Omnipotence, no weakness coming near
you. I see you at peace with the undisturbed peace of God your Father.”
Bountiful blessings ……..
Bountiful Blessings
MALLORY
|
