A Prelude to the Jewish New Year
As the Jewish New Year comes upon us, so many thoughts and ideas of our past year come to light. Did we succeed in all the goals and priorities we set forth last autumn? Did we face new obstacles and challenges, allowing our ability of self-growth to develop? Have we created new bonds and faced new losses?
Rosh Hashanah, and in particular, Yom Kippur, is a time to turn our thoughts inward to the privacy of our personal lives. Our sacred agenda with G-d and our human heart is so complex that it is beyond our grasp to understand. But yet too simple, as our heart knows exactly what this time of year requires.
This time of year perpetuates our minds and hearts into a state of worry and hope. By default, we worry about our children and grandchildren as our children worry about us. But with each day, we must hold strong and remember that while worry is a natural emotion, it often propels us into an endless cycle of doubt.
For a moment, let's set aside worry and grasp this past year with gratitude, even during the most challenging moments. Whatever pieces fell, pick them up and try to make sense of it all. We enter this time of year to search and understand our life mission. And in asking this, we begin to worry rather than appreciate the present. Thoughts ruminate about our values and the choices we made...how will this new year be better than the last? How do we hope to be remembered? What do we hope to gain in our time left? Of most importance, ask yourself, how can I help thy other as I help myself?
No matter your age and no matter your place in time, your moment is now.
Today I offer you a way to gain control of the narrative....of how the future will remember us. And the answer is simply being. I also ask you think about how you judge others. Far too long we fret what others mind of us, but how do we mind thy other? Do you dwell in idle gossip and let slander rule, or do we help raise thy neighbor, friend, relative, or stranger? What has Torah taught you? What principles do you ultimately stand by? Ask yourself this and let your answers find you.
No one person is perfect, but when bonded by a caring community, so much remains possible for all.
We have hopes and dreams, and I urge you to never lose faith in yourself but, more importantly, to never lose faith in others. Be the one person who lends a helping hand and compassionate heart, for that is how you will be recalled. By default, we fester in worry, but today, pause and take a breath. Relish in the poetic fresh air and let your heart be open to the opportunities you can offer others and the chances that may enter your world.
As a community, it is our responsibility to be of assistance. Let this time of year, when the seasons change from the warmth of summer to a crisp autumn air, be a reminder to hold fast to those we lost while also melting our souls and hearts in the present moment. I urge you to not live each day longing for the better...I ask you to live each moment knowing you can assist others and still thrive to your highest potential. Together, we all will prosper, and together, we will all remember and be remembered from a place of love.
