Shadow Knowledge - A Mindful Jewish Moment

Not all wisdom lives in the light. In this 90-second meditation, Kerith shares a teaching from the Rebbe of Sokolow on the theme of shadow knowledge—the truths we uncover in darkness, struggle, and the hidden places of the soul. The Rebbe of Sokolow taught that the shadows are not to be feared—they are where we meet the most honest parts of ourselves. During the Counting of the Omer, we are invited to illuminate even the obscured corners of our being, integrating what is hidden into our path of growth. This meditation invites you to sit with what is unresolved, to listen to the quiet wisdom of your inner shadows, and to emerge with deeper clarity and compassion.

Transcript

It's taught in the name of the Rabbi of Sokolov that Moses said to Bezalel,

The Arizin responsible for creating the tabernacle,

Bezalel,

You were Bezalel in the shadow of God,

Saying to him,

You know the shadow.

In making this connection,

Moses recognizes a type of self-knowledge that he himself does not have.

When we practice meditation,

The shadow often arises as negative self-talk.

Trying to force away this part of human nature is not practical.

Noticing its presence and paying attention is what our practice and tradition has to offer us.

Rest your eyes,

Relaxing body and breath.

With gentle attention,

Just sitting with what is.

If any negative thought,

Idea,

Or self-talk arises,

Do not push it away.

Just gently notice.

When we find ourselves confronting the shadow,

Offering a practice of saying,

I am Bezalel,

I sit in the shadow of my Creator.

Reviews

This went right to my heart. Very powerful for me. Thank you 🙏