Seven Steps for Transforming Empty Religious Observances into Meaning-full and Spirit-full Rituals

The following five steps draw on the symbolism of Jewish women preparing to welcome a special guest – the Shechinah – into their homes for Shabbat dinner.  They are meant simply to help transform empty observances and practices into “meaning-full and spirit-full,” or meaningful and spiritual, ones.  While the steps appear simple, they are not always so easy to accomplish.

1. Spiritual Preparation: Learning why we do what we do, and finding personal meaning in the rituals and prayers.
2. The Sacred Place Setting: Learning how to perform the rituals, and practicing them until they can be done by rote or come naturally.
3. Creating the Meal:  Combining the why and the how to create a meaning-full ritual that feeds the soul.
4. The Divine Invitation: Setting and expressing the intention to invite the Divine into your sacred space and to experience Its presence.
5. The Finishing Touch: Having faith that God will arrive.
6. Welcoming Your Guest: Having the courage to let the Divine Presence into your experience.
7. Enjoying the Company: Taking the time to feel spirit-full and to actually experience the Divine Presence.

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