We think of Birdsong as an auditory experience but today I heard the song
of the birds without hearing a sound or should I say, the sounds I heard
were the stirrings of my heart and soul feeling what my eyes were
seeing…..the majesty of G-d’s winged creation. (more…)
December 5, 2009
Birdsong for You, From Ariella Bracha in Tzfat
December 1, 2009
The Ketubah – A Users Guide
Do you remember a pause in the wedding ceremony between the Groom giving Bride the ring and breaking the glass? It wasn’t just an excellent photo opportunity, the Ketubah (Marriage Agreement) was being read.
Handcrafted Ketubah by Yehudit Abinun
I (more…)
October 19, 2009
What on Earth is a Breema?
…bodywork unlike anything you’ve ever felt before, yet mysteriously familiar, evoking a forgotten naturalness and the joyful innocence of childhood. Gentle and nurturing, at the same time so deeply penetrating that every aspect of your life is affected. In a matter of minutes, you’re miles away from stress and worry. You feel uplifted and embraced by life. You feel at peace, refreshed, vitalized and balanced. You feel whole. (more…)
Welcome to Angela’s Day!
Angela Aidel Brice is a dear friend, a respected colleague, teacher/student, inspiration, a dedicated healer in the true sense of the word and good fun.
Angela passed away just before Rosh HaShanah in 2007. So why did I say “is”?
Her presence and life’s work continues to live and inspire all of us at Heliotrope and all who knew her.
When things were difficult at Heliotrope – she reinforced and inspired its vision, when people were down – she made us smile from the inside out. She was selfless in her belief and dedication to healing work and helping others develop their skills.
Despite her own considerable skills and personal accomplishments, she was humble and always gave credit to others. Even in the last days of her illness, she cared deeply about others, always asking, “How are YOU?””
Although Angela continues to give us far more than we can give her, we are drawn to honour her. Last year, we had a gathering in which we taught practitioners Light Touch Reflexology, a technique that she pioneered. When talking about this year, we could think of nothing that she would enjoy better than giving YOU a wonderful treatment.
October 21st will be a special day here at Heliotrope with volunteers providing complementary treatments to over 25 worthy women… Go, Angela!
Treatments are provided by the following amazing practitioners…..
Deborah Lionarons – Certified Energy Medicine Practitioner and Holistic Doulah
Janet Korman – Holistic Health Therapist
Gitta Starret – Certified Holistic Health Practitioner and Counsellor
Karen Weiss – Certified Holistic Health Practitioner and Clinical Nutritionist
Shoshana Savyon – PhD, Doctor of Holistic Medicine
October 5, 2009
The Refiner of Silver….
With us in the middle of the High Holy Days, I was particularly happy to get an email from a friend discussing the analogy that we draw between ourselves and our Master Craftsman.
During the Yom Kippur services, we say, “Here we are, like silver in the hands of the Refiner….”
It is also written in Malachi 3:3: ‘He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.’
My friend went on to share….. (more…)
July 22, 2009
Eclipse 2009 – The Moon and the Sun
In traditional Judaism and many other cultures, the Moon represents the feminine element while the Sun represents the Masculine. We are told that the Moon and Sun were equal at the time of creation; however the Moon recognized difficulties and asked if two could both wear a crown. HaShem told her that she should go and make herself small. This is seen as a sign of imperfection in the world that is only temporarily needed. In fact, monthly at the new moon, Jews pray for the rectification of the moon. G-d also asked the Jewish people to bring a sacrifice “For G-d” for creating the flaw in the moon.
The Jewish people are related to the moon. Months are gauged by the moon, marriages and family life are regulated by women’s cycles that are also likened to the moon and Jews are seen as a small nation, related to the moon. In an eclipse, the moon rules over the sun. It is a unique opportunity for recognizing the sacrifices of the female principle. A good time to pray for women.
(more…)
June 25, 2009
Ode to Dry… How to do great Toilet Training
Two mothers wrote us about toilet training…..
“My child is about ready for toilet training and I’ve heard that it is very important to be consistant. My problem is that I work and am only home with my child for a few hours at a straight stretch. Any suggestions?”
“I have a wonderful child with Down’s Syndrome. He is getting up to toilet training and I would like information on how to do this with a child with special needs.”
(more…)
May 25, 2009
Cookies, Ghettos and Desire – More Varda
Here’s our next offering from Varda Branfman. Let’s hear you react!
Desire
Comes in the form of
Sunflower cookies
On a cold, life-seeking night
In October
Portland, Maine
May 18, 2009
May 17, 2009
My Child and the Dentist from you know where!
We think that this one is important to share as it is all too common and many people still carry phobias from early dental experiences. I wouldn’t know of course 
…..
Dear Heliotrope,
After a few trials and errors, I finally found a good dentist for my strong-willed and very mature pre-teen. The dentist understands children and my child cooperates well with him, even for tooth extractions. When I brought him in this week for another tooth extraction (his baby teeth are messing up the alignment of his incoming teeth and he has one infected tooth), I discovered that the secretary had made a mistake and booked him with a new dentist. The new dentist seemed nice and confident, and as tooth extractions are familiar to my child, I decided to go ahead. I requested anesthetic gel prior to the anesthetic injection. The new dentist applied it, then without waiting said, “This may be a bit unpleasant”, and immediately stuck a needle deep into my son’s infected tooth. His moans were heart-wrenching (and this is NOT a kid who normally shows pain). Suddenly my son sat up, a look of deep betrayal on his face.