The goal of MAKOR is to help all of us reconnect to the
source of living a meaningful life through Judaism.
Together we will explore the source of our
individual and collective Jewish identity.
Makor is a spiritual practice of the Renewal Tradition.
Rabbi Chavah Carp
Story of the the Alef Bet
Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev stood by the reader's table and prepared to sound the shofar. The congregation waited patiently for him to begin. After a long interval, the shammes hesitatingly approached Levi Yitzchak and asked the cause for the delay.
The rabbi whispered to the shammes:
"A stranger is seated near the door of the synagogue who never learned to pray. But he has said to God:
"Ruler of the universe, You understand the true meaning of prayers and You know those that are most acceptable. Since I know only the letters of the alphabet, I shall repeat them and You can compose from them the prayers I should recite on this sacred day.
"The Almighty is now preoccupied with composing prayers from the letters. Therefore we must wait."
Taken from "On Wings of Awe" 2011 Mahzor
Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev stood by the reader's table and prepared to sound the shofar. The congregation waited patiently for him to begin. After a long interval, the shammes hesitatingly approached Levi Yitzchak and asked the cause for the delay.
The rabbi whispered to the shammes:
"A stranger is seated near the door of the synagogue who never learned to pray. But he has said to God:
"Ruler of the universe, You understand the true meaning of prayers and You know those that are most acceptable. Since I know only the letters of the alphabet, I shall repeat them and You can compose from them the prayers I should recite on this sacred day.
"The Almighty is now preoccupied with composing prayers from the letters. Therefore we must wait."
Taken from "On Wings of Awe" 2011 Mahzor
Makor in Hebrew means source. For me, Judaism is not only my birthright but it is the pathway to living a happy and rich life. "Who is rich? One who is happy." (Pirke Avot) Makor in Hebrew means source. For me, Judaism is not only my birthright but it is the pathway to living a happy and rich life. "Who is rich? One who is happy." (Pirke Avot)
The name Makor was received during a hike in and around Sedona. In truth it was the hike in the dark, (the hike didn't start in the dark) with dense cacti filled to the edges of our trail, no extra water, the cell phone was left in the car (not that it would have worked), no map, and a very narrow path. It was under these conditions that one gets to face their true nature.. After three hours of hiking, exhaustion setting in, I needed to talk in order to feel that I would survive this potentially dangerous situation. As with any liminal opportunity, it turned into a life changing experience. Determined to get back to the hotel I finally arrived at the real question that would keep me awake and focused. My new life, and purpose needed a name that would allow me to move forward to follow my dream and to be able to share my knowledge with others.
The question that motivated a long discussion with my husband was based on the age old question;
"Who Am I and Where Am I going?"
The next forty-five minutes of our hike went surprisingly quickly as we bantered words back and forth as to what it is that I do and figuring out who I am. When I finally received clarity in the dark and deserted red vortex land of Sedona the moon rose high over the mesa and affording both physical light and metaphoric brilliance to our journey.We were exhausted, exhilarated, and finally back on a familiar trail. We could even see the roadway above us. We were safe and I had an answer in my hand. My new adventure was to be called Makor-Source. For each of us that source comes to us through varied experiences. For me the source was always through Judaism, even when I was 'visiting' other places of religious practice.
Makor is a place for Jews to gather and to celebrate. We meet in each other's homes and public meeting spaces and that reminds me of my nomadic heritage when there was no formal building to support. My philosophy is that the most important part of the Synagogue model is the people within. We become the architecture of the building. Each one of us brings an important piece that either stabilizes, enriches or enlivens the community. Participation is key to a successful experience. As we are taught in Mussar, enthusiasm is very important as it compels us to be completely involved.
I look forward to sharing and celebrating together.
Rabbi Chavah Carp
Albuquerque, New Mexico
