It can get a little heavy. The High Holy Days are with us,
and though they are filled with joyful celebration, and family reunions, the
themes of this time of year are intense. In Hebrew we call them “Yamim Nora’im”
– Days of Awe. I love this intensity. It makes me feel alive. But must admit
that it can weigh on my shoulders a bit, and I sometimes find myself looking
for a little relief from all of the chest pounding and talk of kings and
judgement.
Don’t get me wrong, I believe we need to experience this
kind of introspective evaluation. All of us, young and old alike, must from
time to time delve into our spiritual life with a critical eye, and even say
“For the sin which we have sinned . . .” We need to ask the hard questions of
ourselves, and even to seek God’s forgiveness and the forgiveness of our
friends and family. Perhaps we even crave this kind of intense experience, and
know that it is good for us, even though it is difficult.
Still, a spoonful of sugar can help even the most bitter
medicine go down a bit more easily. This year in addition to focusing on the
errors we have made, and the shortcomings that trip us up and keep us from
becoming our best selves, I suggest we create a litany of positive
accomplishments also. While we beat our chest, and say “For the sin which we
have sinned . . .” lets also open our arms and list the many good and noble
efforts we have made. Lets add to our prayer experience a second litany, “For
the mitzvah which we have fulfilled . . .” Lets not forget that just as we seek
to minimize the failures in the year to come, we must also strengthen and
increase the successes. Removing from our lives the things we have done wrong
is not enough. We must also develop our better selves and increase the tikkun – the repair which we are capable
of delivering to our community and to the entire world.
These truly are the Days of Awe. Let them also be the Days
of Celebration as we strive to become the person God wants us to be. If you are
coming to SI for the holidays, I look forward to seeing you and reconnecting.
If you will be elsewhere, let me wish you,
Shanah Tovah.
