Earth Etude for Elul 18 - A Meditation in Nature

by Rabbi Susan Eldoski

At a retreat two years ago, I was inspired by Rabbi Katy Allen's "walking in nature" Shacharit meditation. I believe there's power in being in nature, as Rabbi Nachman said, but it has been difficult for many during this pandemic. These photos were all taken by me and bring me comfort when I look at them.

Rabbi Susan Elkodsi is the spiritual leader of the Malverne Jewish Center in Malverne, NY. She received ordination from the Academy for Jewish Religion in Yonkers, NY in May of 2015, and prior to that served student pulpits in New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts. In 2019 she received a Rabbinic Certificate in Gerontology and Palliative Care from the Wurzweiler School of Social work at Yeshiva University. Her goal is to create relationships with Baby Boomers and older adults to help find meaning and purpose in their lives with the context of Jewish tradition and teachings, and as part of a Jewish community, in whatever way each individual sees him or herself. Rabbi Elkodsi and her husband, David, have two adult children.