Readers Respond

In September, readers shared reflections on food, friendship, happiness, and spirituality — and once again, your words spoke straight to the heart.

Friends: The Soul’s Steady Companions
One reader wrote, “My bestie is my soul sister. We’ve been friends for ages. When my husband and I faced a rough patch, she soothed my soul.”

Others echoed that true friendship shines brightest in hard times: “You know who your true friends are not just through good times -- but through the tough times too!”

Happiness: The Blessing of a New Beginning
September’s reflections coincided with the Jewish New Year -- a time when many of you sent notes of gratitude and goodwill.

One reader from Israel wrote: “Shana tova, Rabbi Smason! May the new year bring good health, blessings, and livelihood.”

Spirituality: Searching for What Matters
Several readers shared how the search for meaning runs through every stage of life: “Most of us spend our lives wondering -- what’s it all about? Why am I here?”

Others connected spirituality with patience and mindful living: “Yes, working on patience daily… releasing distractions that cause stress and focusing on what truly matters.”

And one reader summed it up beautifully: “For me, spirituality is everything God created -- the ultimate artistry. When we can laugh and cry with our loved ones, that is truly spiritual.”

Food: Love You Can Taste
One longtime reader offered a story too sweet not to share:

“For over fifty years, I’ve made my ‘infamous’ holiday fudge. It began as a family tradition and became a way to give -- to friends, coworkers, even the landscaping crew. Each little box carries love and gratitude. My cousin Sharon hoards hers, hiding it so she can savor every bite! I sign each box, ‘From the Fudge Fairy.’”

Food, at its best, is love made tangible -- a way of saying you matter, without a single word.

Growing Our Circle of Light -- Referral Rewards Launch

Speaking of sharing sweetness... many of you have asked how you can help more people discover these weekly reflections. I’m excited to share a new way to deepen our community.

The Referral Rewards -- Explained
When you share Spiritual Sparks with friends who subscribe, you’ll receive special thank-you gifts:

→ 1 friend = “Seven Blessings for the Journey”
A curated guide of seven blessings I’ve found most meaningful in times of transition and growth. You’ll enjoy reading -- and having -- this thoughtful companion.

→ 3 friends = “Spiritual Growth Journal: Discovering Your Purpose”
A guided reflection journal exploring three dimensions of spiritual life: purpose-seeking, growth, and free will.

→ 5 friends = “Circle of Light” Live Q&A
Join me for an intimate 30-minute conversation where we’ll explore your spiritual questions together. This is personal — either one-on-one or in a small group (your choice) — a chance to go deeper on the topics that matter most to you.

How it works: Click your unique referral link below, share it with friends, and rewards are sent automatically when they subscribe. (p.s. for those reading this online, to access a ‘click to share link’ and more information and links, please see the email version)

At 1 referral: "Seven Blessings for the Journey" - A curated PDF guide of seven blessings I've found most meaningful in times of transition and growth.

At 3 referrals: "Spiritual Growth Journal: Discovering Your Purpose" - A beautiful guided reflection journal exploring the three dimensions of spiritual life: purpose-seeking, growth, and free will. (Preview a sample page below)

At 5 referrals: "Circle of Light" Live Q&A - Join me for an intimate 30-minute conversation where we'll explore your spiritual questions together—either one-on-one or in a small group (your choice).

Until next time,
May the sparks you share bring light to many others.

Rabbi Ze’ev Smason